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'''Knox College established in 1837, Galesburg, Illinois'''
'''Founded March 4, 2007 - 31 charter members'''
''' 181 initiates (as of June 2018)''' <br>
----'''Charter Members:'1,127 initiates (as of June 2018)'' Caroline Brooke Allen, Ama Gyamfuaa Awua-Kyerematen, Jessica Rosalin Chan, Jennifer Beth Davis, Miriam Gillan, Danielle Marie Goebel, Virginia Baker Graves, Devynn Elise Hawley, Carolyn Elizabeth Hill, Jacqueline Elizabeth Johnson, Sibel Karabeyoglu, Carly Rose Kauffman, Rebeccah Jane Lanni, Jacqueline Claire Lee, Meryl Hope Leventon, Katya Colleen Manak, Kathleen Elizabeth Manly, Maureen Erin McDonnell, Nerissa Florentine Montes, Lindsey Annette Murrell, Jennifer Elizabeth Nefzger, Alexandra Kristin Nicasio, Stephanie Catherine Osthoff O'Brien, Alisha Carroll Statsinger Oscharoff, Catherine Adeline Ray, Jasmina Marie Ruano, Paloma Romero, Hadley Reese Standring, Jessica Anna Elaine Strache, Leslie Grace Stubbs, and Dana Samson Tipson.
== Some of Eta Kappa's Outstanding Alumnae==
'''Fraternity Officers''' <br>
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients''' <br>
'''Kyle Donnelly: Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients''' <br>Finance Committee (2006-2008), Province Director of Chapters (2008-2011), Assistant to Fraternity Treasurer (2011-2014), Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Finance Committee (2011-2012), Scholarship Reader (2015-2018), Fraternity House Board Chairman (2018-2020).
'''Additional Outstanding Eta Vicki Hill Carrigan: Kappa Alumnae''' <br>Jordan Nichole Newsom Leadership Consultant 2013Trainer (2010-2016), Publications Committee (2010-2014), Standards Content Director 2018Technology Committee (2010-2020 <br>Molly Anne Stein Chapter Council Adviser and Advisory Board Chairman 2014), Leadership Academy Facilitator (2012, 2016, 2017), Betty Brady Award (1995), Coordinator of Eta Phi ChapterSupport (2014-2016), Elmhurst College 2013Convention Committee -current <br>Kathleen Mary Podlipni President of Chicago Loop Alumnae Association Music Chairman (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022), Adviser Academy Facilitator (2016), Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-20152019), Province Director of Chapters Epsilon Central 2015Ritual & History Specialist (2019 -16 <br>2024).
== Historical Highlights== '''October 16, 2006''' TSO shed its letters and began their journey to becoming Eta Kappa Chapter. <br>'''March 4, 2007''' Eta Kappa was installed. <br>'''Spring 2007''' Eta Kappa, in their 1st ever Greek Week, came in 3rd place. <br>In the 2007Jessica Coffield: Nominating Committee (2014-2008 year2016), Eta Kappa made an appearance in every issue of ''The Key''. <br>'''Fall 2007''' Eta Kappa began their annual fundraiser WinStandards Specialist (2016-A-Date. It was called the Uganda Initiative because all donations, monetary and school supplies, were going to be donated to schools in need in Uganda as suggested by Virginia Graves and Emily Putnam. The women raised $12020),500 that year. The Win-A-Date fundraiser raises money towards a different philanthropy that is dear to our members' hearts every year since. <br>'''Spring 2008''' Eta Kappa held a scholarship banquet to recognize professors and build positive KappaLeadership Conference Facilitator (2018-faculty relationships. <br>'''Fall 2008''' Eta Kappa got their house! <br>'''Fall 2008''' Win-A-Date proceeds of $1856.15 went to Girl Effect BRAC programs for Safe Spaces and Small Loans for Teenage Girls in Tanzania as suggested by Kathleen Podlipni, who fell in love with Girl Effect and Emily Jensen2019), who studied abroad in Tanzania. This is the year that "Win-A-Date" was trademarked by Kathleen and the Win-A-Date committee, Chloe Bohm Standards Director (Philanthropy Chairman at the time) and Hadley Standring.<br>'''February 2009''' Eta Kappa co2020-hosted the Biennial Province Meeting with Alpha Deuteron Chapter (Monmouth College2024) and were honored with a Membership Award at the banquet. <br>'''Spring 2012''' Eta Kappa won its 1st Greek Week. <br>'''Fall 2012''' Eta Kappa achieved its highest GPA average thus far and had the highest Greek GPA overall.<br>'''Spring 2013''' Eta Kappa won its 2nd Greek Week. <br>'''Fall 2013''' Win-A-Date proceeds of over $2,000 went to Watts of Love as suggested by Jenna Butler. This was the largest amount fundraised by this event thus far. Founder of Watts of Love, Nancy Economou attended the event and provided an amazing presentation of her experience and work. <br>
==The Story of Our Founding== Eta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was originally founded because before Kappa Kappa Gamma came on Knox College's campus, there were only two NPC sororities Traci Evans: Programming Specialist (Pi Beta Phi and Delta Delta Delta2016-2018) available for membership. Knox College was also home to these NPC sororities, Delta Zeta Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (19152018-19642019), Alpha Xi Delta District Director (19292022-19732024) and Phi Mu (1912-1989), but they all became dormant or inactive and essentially Knox College was a two NPC sorority school for 18 years!.
Our Eta Kappa founders, Catherine Ray, Meryl Leventon, Stephanie O'Brien, Caroline Allen, Sibel Karabeyoglu, and Jennifer Davis believed in diversity and creating options for other women interested in participating in NPC Greek lifeHammond: Public Relations Specialist (2019-2021). <br>
Before their affiliation and installation as a chapter Kim Braun Padulo: Province Director of Kappa Kappa GammaChapters (1987-1988), our founders took the letters Tau Sigma Omega, TSO, sometimes comically called Tau Sigma Omicron. As the story goes, these women met at Knox College's swimming pool where Stephanie O'Brien was employed as a student lifeguard. This is where the historic Alpha document was written. This document was approved by the Dean of Student Life and TSO was officially founded on Thursday, March 10, 2005. TSO had also increased their membership to 10 women. Membership would continue to increase as their first informal recruitment event was held in the Fall Province Director of 2005Alumnae (1989-1990).
Their first chapter council meeting consisted of Catherine Ray Hailey Grisel: Leadership Consultant (President), Stephanie O'Brien (Vice2015-President), Meryl Leventon (Treasurer2016), Kathleen Manly (Philanthropy Chair), Jennifer Davis Specialist (Social Chair), Nerissa Montes (Recruitment Chair), Sibel Karabeyoglu (Secretary), and Caroline Allen (Treasurer2016-2017).
Other TSO members who became Eta Kappa Meredith Hutcheson Reuter: Chapter members include Miriam Gillan Consultant (Pledge Educator1990-1991), Emily Jensen Province Director of Chapters (who has probably served the longest New Member period in KKG history from October 2006 until October 20071993-1995), Jacqueline Lee (who would become Eta Kappa's first President), Katya Manak, Maureen McDonnell (who would become Eta Kappa's second President), Alisha Oscharoff (Academic Chair), Jasmina Ruano (who designed the Eta Kappa flag), Dana Tipson, Hadley Standring and Jessica Strache.
Their first philanthropy event was their participation in Galesburg's Polar Plunge event and fundraiser for Special OlympicsLise Haxton: Traveling Consultant (1993-1994), a tradition that Eta Kappa chapter carried on until 2009. Chapter Consultant (1994-1995), Chapter Support Committee (2004-2005)
TSO was not allowed to participate in formal recruitment in the winter of 2006, but they continued to grow regardless.
By spring ---------------------------------- ==The Early Years -- Colonization and Installation== Love and guidance by many caring Kappas allowed Epsilon Pi chapter to enjoy a great beginning. The culmination of this love and concern was 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 Epsilon Pi Chapter at the University of California at Riverside. 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 Delegate and colonizing officer; Patti Ball Hillyard, Delta Chi—San Jose State, installation chairman and President of the Riverside Alumnae Club; Lyn Conway Madding, Delta Gamma—Michigan State, Kappa Province Director of Alumnae; Kay Reid Tennison, Epsilon Delta—Arizona State, Kappa Province Director of Chapters; and Janeen Gould, Beta Beta Deuteron—St. Lawrence, Epsilon Pi Graduate Counselor. Also, several advisers and Graduate Counselors to California chapters and alumnae from all over southern California gathered to participate in and to honor the Installation of Kappa’s 95th chapter. The setting for the ceremonies was the chapter house of 2006Epsilon Pi’s sister chapter, TSO had 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.” Fern Crane, Delta Tau Housemother; Katie Finnegan, Delta Tau President; Kris Kline, chapter coordinator, and chapter members were thanked for their superb planning and for making the guests and participants feel welcomed and prepared. It was here that the scene for the entire weekend, including a lovely Friday night Fireside Service and dinner. Delta Tau members added to the beauty by sharing some of their traditional pre-initiation thoughts and songs. Many gifts to the new chapter were recognized at the luncheon banquet, which was held at the University Hilton Hotel following Saturday’s Installation. Two special gifts were award badges for outstanding new members, one given to the new member class president, Debbie Dietrich, and one to Robin Rose, Recruitment Chairman, for scholarship. Greetings to the new chapter increased even more when more than 150 guests came in heavy rain to a reception Sunday afternoon in Riverside at the home of a recent Delta Tau active. 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 members honored Epsilon Pi with their attendance. Prior to Installation, the Epsilon Pi new members were busy with campus activities including selling cotton candy during Homecoming, a pizza party with alumnae, a new member retreat and joining the other fraternities and sororities in the Greek colony cheering section for football games and for Christmas caroling before the winter break. Epsilon Pi members also created a wooden plaque with pictures of the charter members, and they 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.) --------------------------------The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.-------------------------------- ==Highlights of the 1970s== 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.: The chapter’s first formal, called “Sea and Sky”, was held in a multipurpose room in one of the apartment complexes near campus since the budget for the event was only $75; $25 was spent on decorations and $50 was spent on a band. One sister, who was dating a Sigma Alpha Epsilon from UCLA, had him fix up some of the Kappas with blind dates with his brothers. Charter President Kim Braun Padulo recalled the surprised reaction of the boys when they entered the room as it was not the kind of reception they were used to. 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 chapter set, the women focused on their sisterhood. To improve this Epsilon Pi chapter participated in a potluck with the Northern Orange County Alumnae Association. The theme was to bring with you 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. October of 1977, thirteen more lovely ladies were pledged after an informal Yell-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. 1979 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, these where then to be used for philanthropy. The final night, was preference night. Here the women all dressed up formally, and had dessert together while sharing stories in a circle. Epsilon Pi once again initiated more women, making the chapter grow a little bigger every year . With the goal to become one of the largest chapters, 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 could begin sisterhood (SOS). Memorable events from the 70s include hanging out at the process of national affiliationpool at Bannockburn, yearly pledge class songs, and exchanges with other groups on campus. '''Philanthropy:'''
TSO ultimately decided to affiliate with Kappa Kappa Gamma (and not with Kappa Delta) because of Kappa Kappa Gamma's dedication to leadership, philanthropy, and scholarship. TSO felt that their ideals were similar to those of Kappa Kappa Gamma's. The Knox Student Life Committee subsequently voted to invite Kappa Kappa Gamma to join the Greek community at Knox.
TSO affiliated with Kappa Kappa Gamma on October 16, 2006 and became the Eta Kappa colony.'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
As a colony ==Highlights of Kappa Kappa Gammathe 1980s:== From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the women formerly known as TSOchapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.: Small "get to know each other" parties were allowed held at the Bannockburn pool, so that all the women could get to participate know each other better and create stronger sisterhoods. They also held exchanges. Epsilon Pi had an annual "walkout" in their first formal recruitment which the pledges would plan to "kidnap" actives and have them do funny antics like sing Kappa songs and Kappa Dances at different stops on campus like the library, residence halls, and classrooms. Every stop would earn them a clue that would lead them to the location that the pledges had chosen to host them for dinner. They experienced the debut of MTV and this spurred lip-synching contests in the winter of 2007.dorms, which were a blast!
==Eta Kappa '''Chapter & Knox College==Eta Kappa Chapter at Knox College is located only 13 miles from Monmouth College and the Stewart House Museum, the home of founder, Minnie Stewart. The college was founded by social reformers who opposed slavery and believed in the potential of all to learn, grow, and contribute to the greater good of the community. Knox was one of the first colleges to admit African Americans and women and remains one of AmericaConvention Awards:'''s historically significant liberal arts colleges and is the only remaining site of the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. The City of Galesburg, approximately 50 miles east of the Mississippi River, is a unique town in that it was a planned city whose purpose was fostering religious education. Knox College was the main reason for its existence. (From an official letter, November, 2006)
Knox is consistently ranked in 1992 Efficiency Honorable Mention1994 Standards Honorable Mention1994 Scholarship Honorable Mention1996 Scholarship Award Honorable Mention ==Highlights of 2000-2010== From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the top 20 liberal arts colleges in Americachapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc. Most notable is its appearance : The chapter actively participated in Loren Pope's bookcampus events such as BEAR Facts Orientation, ''Colleges That Change Lives''Block Party, where 40 schools are discussed that change the lives of their students through the students’ access to their PhD professorsHomecoming and Spring Splash as well as Panhellenic sponsored events such as Sports Week, an administration that is supportive of the Greek communityUnity Week with Greek Pyramid, a high percentage of students succeeding in their graduate school pursuitsand Presents. Founders Day was often celebrated with Zeta Eta, UC Irvine and other plauditsthe Orange County Alumnae Association. Princeton ReviewA yearly Scholarship Dinner was held to honor the sisters with the highest GPA, Umost improved GPA, and all sisters with a 4.S0 in a quarter. News Yearly chapter events included a fall Date Party, a winter Scholarship Banquet, and World Report and many other publications applaud this fine academic institutiona Parent’s Day in the spring.
Knox is a private, independent college committed to the liberal arts as the best educational preparation for life. The student enrollment in 2007 was 1,245, of which 54 percent were female. More than 20 percent of the student body is Greek with five national fraternities and chapters of Delta Delta Delta and Pi Beta Phi founded in 1889 and 1884 respectively.
Kappa Kappa Gamma was honored to accept the invitation of the exceptional women of a local sorority to affiliate with the National Panhellenic Conference Fraternity. These new Kappas were recognized for their philanthropic efforts on campus and in Galesburg.
==Highlights of 2007 - 2010=='''Housing:'''
After Eta Kappa Epsilon Pi was installed, the first Greek organization to be invited to participate in UCR’s Greek Housing Pilot Program. The chapter did not hesitate was able to wear their new letters while continuing their earlier philanthropic work rent five units in an apartment complex near campus and recruitment but were particularly excited 10 members lived there during the 2009-2010 school year. However, due to partake officially in Knox College's Greek Communitya lack of contracts and security, the program was discontinued.
On a cold March morning, members of Eta Kappa took a Polar Plunge at Lake Storey in Galesburg, Illinois. With a minimum pledge of $75.00 for the icy dip for the Illinois Special Olympics. A photo of our team's plunge made it in the newspaper, The Register-Mail.
Greek Week began with Sunday’s Greek Olympics with stations set up throughout campus. Monday was Trivia Night, which had a large turnout. Tuesday was devoted to philanthropy with a blood drive. '''Philanthropy actually went on all week with donations being accepted for The Boys and Girls Club with each Greek organization earning points for the amount of supplies and money donated. The Greeks were able to raise $125 for The Boys and Girls club as well as boxes of school supplies. On the evening of Thursday May 8th 2007, the Gizmo on the campus of Knox College was packed with excited sorority and fraternity members clad in neon green shirts which read, “Greekalodeon,” the Greek Week theme. Members had gathered to watch the popular Greek talent show and find out the winners of Greek Week. The show was filled with a variety of acts including Kappa Kappa Gamma’s singers and dancers playfully mocking Knox Greek organizations to much applause. As it would turn out, the chapter skit would win the award for funniest performance. Many of the Greeks present were happy for such a relaxing and fun week, especially since there were previous tensions and difficulties in the Greek community the past year surrounding local greek colonies affiliating with NPC or IFC organizations. Overall, Kappa Kappa Gamma came in 3rd place with 122 points. :'''
The last three weekends Members of October 2008 were spent Epsilon Pi volunteered yearly for a local breast cancer fundraiser put on by having the women of Pi Beta Phi and Kappa Kappa Gamma taking a twenty minute drive north of campus Inland Agency, called “Shop to Stop Breast Cancer.” Each year, chapter members volunteered to read to scare the pants off peoplestudents at Madison Elementary School on Dr. The two sororities tried something new for the both of them - a joint philanthropic ventureSuess day. We believed that since both of our organizations were founded “up In Spring 2009, the road in Monmouth", and with both members of our national philanthropies being geared toward literacy, it would make Epsilon Pi hosted sixth grade students for a great pairing“A Day In The Life” at UCR. The women joined together at Kappas gave them tours of the Country Corner Farm Market campus and Pumpkin Patch the sixth graders got to work meet the corn maze by either welcoming victims with Men’s Basketball Team and the provided scary story or by actually scaring the people insideUCR Cheerleaders and Dance Team. Afterwards The finale of the proceeds from day was lunch on the ticket sales were split up among commons lawn where the organizations based on how many hours each worked. All our proceeds went sixth graders read their favorite books to Reading Is Fundamentalthe Kappas.
On the evening of October 24th, 2008, the ladies of the Eta Kappa chapter brought students, parents, and other members of the Greek community together for their second annual “Win-A-Date” event. $1,856.15 was raised to support Girl Effect through BRAC programs for Safe Spaces and Small Loans for Teenage Girls in Tanzania. The evening was the culmination of a week of fundraising through change wars between Greek organizations on campus. The two members from each of the social Greek organizations Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Phi, Phi Gamma Delta, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, and colony, ATP, as well as from the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority volunteered to be hosts and hostesses for the dates. Local businesses donated dinner, movie, and bowling certificates, which were given as prizes to the winning bidders and their dates. Among the many generous donations made that evening was one exceptional date that sold for over $230. Eta Kappa members felt a special connection to this particular cause not only as women, but also from the personal experiences of its members. One active’s travels to Uganda inspired the first Uganda Initiative event in 2007. Another member, studied abroad in Tanzania in 2007. With this in mind, Eta Kappa chapter was inspired by Girl Effect and was proud to support the education and empowerment of women internationally.
As a chapter, we also emphasized the support and encouragement of our members in their leadership roles and involvement in other campus activities. These included AAINA, American Chemical Society, Alpha Phi Omega, Asian Student Association, Best Buddies, Business Club, Campus Progress, Carl Sandburg Literacy Coalition, College Art Association, Costume Shop, Cottage Hospital,Cross Country, Dance Squad, Film Production Club, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Golf, Habitat for Humanity, Harambee, Hillel Club, Intramural Sports, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Invisible Children, Jazz Combo, Junior Great Books, Knox Ambassadors, Knox Bloggers, Knox College Choir, Knox College Sign Language Club, Knox County Jail Literacy Project, Knox County Regional G.S., Knox Galesburg Symphony, Knox Sandburg Community Concert Band, Knox String Ensemble, Making Things Craft Club, Mortar Board, Odyssey Mentoring, Office of Admissions, Order of Omega, Prairie Players, Pre-Health Club, Pre-Vet Club, Reading Buddies, Rotaract Club, Rugby, SASS, SHAG, Soccer, Spanish Club, Student Athletic Advisory Council, Student Athletic Training, Student Senate, Studio Theatre, Tennis, Terpsichore, Track and Field, Union Board (Flunk Day planning!), Women’s Chorale, Water Polo, WVKC and Yoga Club. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
In May of 2009, Sigma Chi and Kappa Kappa Gamma co-hosted an ultimate frisbee tournament to raise money for the FISH Food Pantry. Proceeds from the event were donated to the pantry that provides families in need with enough food to feed them with three nutritious meals a day. 2008 Rose McGill Award
Eta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma brought 14 Greek organizations and students together along with 35 businesses from Galesburg on Friday, October 16, 2009 in the Gizmo for the purpose of raising money for Valhalla Experimental Station in Guatemala through their 3rd Annual Win-A-Date event. The total amount of money raised for Valhalla was $1227.56. Previous to the actual event, the chapter fundraised through change wars again, as jars for the president of each Greek group participating was at a table in Seymour Hall during meals. The president’s jar with the most money earned the title of the “ultimate date” and received the biggest gift certificate received through donation from a local Galesburg business. Gift certificates for local Galesburg businesses such as Q’s Café, Kaldi’s, etc. were auctioned off as date packages with optional Greek male and female hosts/hostesses.
During the May 2010 Knox Greek Week, Eta Kappa Chapter had members win two very distinguished awards at the Greek Banquet: Adviser of the Year Renee Tadie (ABC/CCA/VPS Adviser from 2007-2010) and Emerging Female Greek Leader Emily Putnam. Raise the Roof!
On Thursday, October 28, 2010, the Business Club’s Halloween Crafts Day provided an opportunity for Knox students and children from the local Boys and Girls Club to bond over Halloween==Highlights of 2011-themed crafts and games. The multidimensional club along with members from Alpha Phi Omega and Kappa Kappa Gamma hosted 30 children, ranging from six to nine years old. The afternoon began with a game of freeze tag, followed by Duck, Duck, Goose and Red Light, Green Light. Refreshments were served.2019==
On FridayFrom chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, November 5group honors/awards, 2010 the women of Eta Kappa hosted its 4th Annual Win-a-Date event to fundraise for the BeLikeBrit foundation. According to the organization’s mission statementtraditions, BeLikeBrit works “to serve the children of Haiti by establishing a safespecial events, nurturing and sustainable orphanage in an environment where they can growchanges on campus or within chapter, learn and thrive.” The money overall nature of the sorority raised went towards building a new orphanage. Before the event beganchapter, the Greek men and women that went with each date package were asked to describe their ideal datechapter goals, including the place challenges and atmosphere. Each also chose a runway song that played while how they were onstage, several using the opportunity to show off their dance moves. Various date packages, such as gift cards to Jimmy Johns or Cherry Street Restaurant, were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Members of 10 different Greek organizations volunteered their time to accompany the winner on each date. The successful auction raised approximately $1overcome,850 dollars and the event had a large turnoutetc.:
When we returned for Spring Term, we had an informal recruitment. This gave us the opportunity to have four new members join our chapter. The pledging ceremony was held on April 10th, 2011. During that time, the new Chapter Council was installed. Their installation was quite special because this year marks the first time Eta Kappa held the event, Kappa Kabin. Kappa Kabin is a weekend of bonding and training for both the outgoing and the incoming Chapter Council. The event was held at Stephanie Bailey’s cabin in Peoria. Stephanie Bailey has been our Finance Advisor & House Board Member since 2008, our VPO advisor, and began her role as CCA/ABC this year. Amanda Crow, who was the Vice President of Organization at the time, held the event.
When Eta Kappa returned for the new school year that September, they were excited to begin a new term of fresh opportunities. Unfortunately there was not an informal recruitment held during Fall Term. We did make the most of this term, however. Eta Kappa participated in Sigma Chi’s annual philanthropy event, Derby Days, and won the weeklong competition! Eta Kappa held their 5th annual Win-a-Date fundraiser, which allowed Eta Kappa to raise funds for the Joyful Heart Foundation. They also worked with Phi Gamma Delta to have a Light the Night event. During Fall term, there were many Kappas who studied abroad and traveled to the U.K., Argentina, and Spain.
We 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 by welcoming eight new members into Eta Kappa chapter with inspiration week filled with a successful formal recruitmentvariety of big and little and sisterhood bonding events. In FebruarySoon after, the Alpha Omega pledge class was initiated. It was a beautiful and special ceremony that we held were able to share with the newest members of our annual Reading is Key event wonderful chapter. The following week we had an amazing Semi Formal which was hosted at the Galesburg Public LibraryCaspian in Irvine, where we enjoyed an Arabian night filled with kabobs and belly dancers. In March, Soon after we celebrated had elections and welcomed the fifth anniversary newly elected chapter council. During that time period we were graced with the Leadership Officer and received an abundance of tips and advice on how to make our chapter, and even stronger than what it was amazing to see just how far we haveve come in such a short amount of timethen.
After Spring BreakFollowing elections and the LC visit, we welcomed back three of our sisters who had been studying abroad in Spain Greek Unity week on campus which brings the Greek and cultural sorority and held informal recruitment, welcoming three additional sisters into our chapterfraternities together. That month, This year we also elected our new Chapter Council, a group were paired with the men of strong Phi Kappa Psi and capable women who were installed in AprilSigma Alpha Epsilon. The incoming During this week we are separated into teams and outgoing members of Chapter Council participated participate in a weekend variety of bonding team and training at our annual Kappa Kabin at Stephanie Bailey's cabin (Finance Adviser & House Board Member 2008-current, VPO Adviser 2010-11, CCA/ABC 2011-current). Amanda Crow, Vice President the end of Organization held the first Kappa Kabin in 2011week perform a team dance that is appreciated by the whole Greek community.
In 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 spring, students to read and enjoy books. We also had a delicious scholarship dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory where we participated in acknowledged our campushard working sisters that make the Dean's annual Greek WeekList, in which we won 1st place against the 11 participating Greek-letter organizations. Also in have the spring of 2012most study hours, Teresa Amott, was installed as and the 19th president of Knox College. It was an inspiration to our chapter and women across campus to see our 1st female presidenthighest overall GPA.
Fall 2012 brought out Towards the best in Eta Kappa. When we returned to campus in the fall end of 2012, winter quarter we began work on held our annual Win-A-Date fundraiser. Through cooperation with other Greek-letter organizations on campusLeadership Day, we were able which aimed at better training our newly elected chapter council to raise almost $2,000 ensure that they would be confident in achieving everything their position asked them to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Eta Kappa also won Sigma Chi's annual Derby Days, a friendly competition between all of the sororities on campus. Fall contineud its streak of good things as it provided our chapter with the prestige of having earned the highest GPA average that we have ever achieved well as a chapter and additionally earning us the title of having the highest GPA out of all the Greek organizations for the termdoing their little perfectly.
Unfortunately In the spring quarter, our sisterhood took a great start with having a fun and exciting event at Dave and Buster. This quarter we also supported the men of Delta Tau Delta's annual Delta Queen Pageant. Our sister, Lauren Montes, won the Delta Queen Pageant raising $6,000 for the City of Hope cancer research. We continued to support our chapter and partook in the fallannual Sports Week, Knoxwhere each sorority competes against each other in track and field, volleyball, and football. Our sisters did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time to practices. This quarter we also had our annual formal, "A Night In Spain", which was held at the Green River Gold Club in Corona. It was an amazing event where we danced the night away and appreciated the seniors, as it was their last formal with the chapter. As the quarter continued, we hosted "A Day In The Life" where we 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 to college to get a higher education and to show them that anyone can achieve that with hard work and dedication. We ended this quarter with a fun filled water themed sisterhood at our president, Brittany Altamirano's Panhellenic Council voted house. There was a water maze, water guns, and of course water balloons. The sisterhood definitely helped relieve some stress that we had pertaining to lower quotathe upcoming finals. Later that weekend we also had our annual Parent's Day at the Canyon Crest Country Club, so where we had a nice lunch with all our sisters and their parents. We also appreciated our sisters who stood out exceptionally in being a good sister and kappa and sisters that stood our academically as well. 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 were unable more than happy to hold informal recruitmentwelcome the 30 Beta Alpha new member class. After bid day on campus we took them to one of our sister's house to have dinner and meet the chapter; there were also an abundance of ice breaking games. Since thenThis year, quota has been raised the Orange County Alumni Association hosted Founder's Day at the Tustin Senior Center. After thoroughly educating the Beta Alpha new member class with Kappa history and creating a new love for Kappa we are excited had Inspiration Week and Initiation. It was again a beautiful ceremony where each sister was able to hold informal recruitment appreciate and remember why we joined one of the strongest sisterhoods. We concluded this quarter with our Kappa Thanksgiving, which brought our chapter together once again . This year, the Panhellenic Board on campus was continuing to encourage unity among the Greek community. The board hosted many events where each sorority could come and support panhellenic. Such events were "blankets for babies", "cookies and crafts", and staff appreciation. Kappa supports the board and tries to get more involved by participating. Kappa also participates in fall 2013Block Party, Spring Spash, and Bear Facts orientation.
In February, we celebrated Academic Excellence month for the first time by collecting study tips and sharing them with the campus, promoting our academic achievements through social media, and engaging in a “Letters in the Library” competition. By the end of Winter Term, our House Chairman and her committee finished an ongoing renovation of our basement, and Eta Kappa celebrated a fun new wall color, waterproof floors, and furniture. Just before Spring Break, we initiated eight lovely new members, some of whom were elected onto Chapter Council just the next day.
Spring Term was bittersweet time for us as Eta Kappa prepared to say goodbye to 18 graduating seniors, who comprised nearly half of our chapter. Despite the major loss, this dynamic group of women made sure to leave Eta Kappa thriving. One way they did so was by teaching us to live Kappa’s ritual daily in a new ritual appreciation program.
In the springEpsilon Pi had a truly remarkable year in 2013 with all that we accomplished and participated in. As our winter quarter began, we won had the opportunity to help recruit members for the annual Greek Week competition as well as several other new chapter awards that was established at Chapman University with our sisters from USC. The recruitment was so successful that we had the amazing honor to be apart of their initiation ceremony and be their big sis chapter. Towards the annual Knox College end of the quarter we were partnered up with the men of Phi Gamma Delta and the women of Omega Zeta Chi to participate in a week of Greek BanquetUnity. Afterwards The main event was a dance competition in which we were elated and humbled to have won first place. As the quarter continued we conveniently celebrated participated in our annual philanthropy of “Reading is Key” in which we traveled to Madison Elementary school and spent the day reading and doing crafts with the children. We also had a delicious Scholarship dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in which we gave awards to the sisters who had accomplishments such as the most study hours, highest GPA, and being on the dean’s list. The last major event of winter quarter was our semi-formal in which was held at we went to a lovely Italian restaurant and had a great time dancing the Soangetaha Country Club this yearnight away with our sisters and dates. Spring quarter began with 6 sisters attending Kappa Province. Continuing In addition to learning valuable skills and information for our winning streakchapter, several members attended Province Meeting Epsilon Pi was honored to have received 2 awards: the New Member Program Award and brought home the Chapter Scholarship Norma Dow Patton Gracious Living Award. Soon after, as well as six honorable mentionswe had a visit from the LC, which gave the new officers a chance to get ideas and information about her new positions in personal meetings that were set-up. We also had our formal at a beautiful venue at the Glen Ivy Spa and golf course in which we had a great night taking pictures in a photo booth, eating delicious food, and giving out senior recognition awards.
Eta Kappa focused on a new This quarter was also very philanthropic organization during this time, selling friendship bracelets . Not only did we host our annual “Day in the Life” event for Vitamin AngelsMadison elementary school children to come and see what it is like to be a college student, which brings essential nutrition but we also partnered up with the women of Pi Beta Phi to at-risk populationscreate our very own join philanthropy on campus called “Words with Friends”. However It was a spelling bee and speed read event in continuing which all the organizations could compete with philanthropic traditionseach other and donate either money or books to our philanthropy. This quarter, as well as supporting many other philanthropies throughout the year, this year’s we also supported the men of Delta Tau Delta's annual Reading is Key event had an “outer space” theme Delta Queen Pageant. Our sister, Hailey Grisel, received second place and was held at remarkably raised $6,000 for the Discovery Depot in GalesburgCity of Hope cancer research.
In attempting We continued to bond with support our chapter and partook in the annual Sports Week, where each sorority competes against each other in track and field, volleyball, and our football. Our sisters from Monmouth, did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time to practices because we ended up winning the entire event. Later that month we joined Alpha Deuteron Chapter at Monmouth College for had parent’s day which was so special in being able to show our families a tea party at little bit of what Kappa is like. We were able to honor the Minnie Stewart House for an event fondly titled, Loyal-Teasisters who truly embody what Kappa is and also got to see what our chapter used to be like through the heritage display.
During the spring, we There is also renewed an annual awards ceremony for the lease Greek community on our house, but never imagined what was campus in store for us. First, which we learned Knox College graciously offered were honored to help have received the Greek community by allowing us to pay University of California, Riverside Marguleas Sororotiy/Fraternity Service Award in recognition of our leadership and philanthropic efforts in our rent through community service hours, . To finish off the quarter and the academic year we had a sisterhood in which we have already been completing through our philanthropic endeavorswere able to go go kart racing. In We had such a fun time competing with each other financial news, for the Treasurer of Eta Kappa took great initiative this term fastest time and just be able to create spend time bonding together. Fall quarter was a budget very hectic quarter for Epsilon Pi. We 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 upcoming year that would be conducive large increase in the size of our new pledge class, we were so grateful to welcome 45 new amazing women into our small chapter sizeorganization. Soon after, and she educated 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 on exactly where . It was so touching to see alumni from decades ago being recognized and pinned and being able to do our money goesritual together.
When Our chapter also hosted an amazing event called “Finding Kind” in which we returned to Knox in had the fall, we were pleasantly surprised that one screening of our advisers, Pat Kane (Standards Adviser 2010-current, House Board Treasurer 2011-present, Event/Risk Adviser 2011-14), gave our chapter house a complete makeover during the summerdocumentary to fight against female teen bulling. We could not be more thankful for our new furniture, shelving, remodeled bathrooms, then all took individual pledges to better ourselves and countless decorationsthe way that we treat others. Although Fall was an adjustment period for Eta Kappa due We were so pleased to the large change in our chapter size, our sisters bonded see how many women from different organizations on a deeply personal level and found a new appreciation for campus came to support this cause. Towards the changing chapter. We began end of the school year with informal recruitmentquarter, during we had a super hero themed date party in which our Membership Chair implemented a completely new system by creating bump we got to go to Sky Town and jump around and play various games involving foam pits and rotation groupstrampolines. Our Inspiration week and Initiation of our new system also incorporated the values Beta Beta pledge class was a very special week for all of our ritual into the recruitment processus. We recruited and initiated three lovely new members. In October, we were lucky enough so happy to join Alpha Deuteron officially welcome them into our chapter at Monmouth for Founders Dayand share our ritual with them during such a beautiful and special ceremony. We visited two of also had fun during that week roller-skating and playing laser tag together during our founders' graves and shared a luncheonbig/little night. For our annual Win-a-Date philanthropy eventTo finish off the quarter, we chose to donate our proceeds to an organization called Watts of Love, had a sisterhood the week before finals at the movie theater in which brings solar powered lights to people around the world with no electricity. We we were lucky able to have the organization’s founder, Nancy Economou, at our event take a couple hours away from studying to speak about her incredible experiences relax and laugh with Watts of Love, and we ultimately raised over $2000 for the organizationour sisters while watching Grown Ups 2. Fall Term was big for Eta Kappa’s public relations: Eta Kappa now has its own Twitter and Instagram accounts, and our Kore Groups are now utilizing our Facebook page and group to attend and support “Kappas on Kampus” It had been events like this that keep us close and clean the house together. At the end of term, we prepared for formal recruitmentstrong as a chapter.
2013 was an exciting time for Knox as well as Eta Kappa, as the college finished raising the $11This past year brought changes that mainly affected our recruitment.7 million needed Since our school decided to restore Alumni Halladmit more students, one of there were more women that went through recruitment that the oldest buildings on campussororities were not prepared for. We are excited for our younger sisters to utilize the technology Although we thought it would be overwhelming and resources in this building in the future. Other exciting events for the college included bringing comedian Ed Helms near impossible to campus as our commencement speaker, witnessing have such a Knox graduate be named an adviser to President Obamalarge pledge class, we pulled through together and welcoming President Obama himself were blessed to the campus in July, an event some have received 45 new members instead of our sisters volunteered at. We feel lucky to be on a campus with so many inspiring visitors, as well as graduates who inspire us to be successful in our futures as graduates of Knox College as wellanticipated 30.
The women of Eta Kappa continue to represent a wide variety of extracurricular activities, areas of study, philanthropic interests, athletics, and cultural backgrounds. We take great pride in supporting each other’s differences by attending shows, games, and academic presentations of our sisters. We consider ourselves to be a close-knit chapter, and hope that Eta Kappa continues on its current route of success for years to come.
During A few weeks later, we had our first social of the quarter with the month men of MarchPhi Kappa Psi. Together, Knox Collegewe 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. This year's National Panhellenic Council (NPC aka Panhell) hosted its first annual Wellness Weektheme was "Under the Sea" and the book we gave every student who attended was "The Magic School Bus Live on the Ocean Floor". We loved seeing the students' faces light up as they read to us, crafted with us, which included participating in a clothing swap and enjoyed some delicious snacks. The whole cafeteria was neatly decorated with Knox College's fish, kelp, and other NPC sororitiesunderwater creatures to create a fun, Delta Delta Delta; Phi Beta Phi; aquatic atmosphere. We donated books to their library and hoped to encourage them and Alpha Sigma Alpha. Just before spring breakshow them how important, we initiated our 8 NMsand intriguing, some reading can be. This experience was so rewarding due to the fact that many of whom were elected onto chapter council these students are from underprivileged households and the following day during elections, proving that our chapter nurtures leadersbooks we give them are usually their first books.
Our incoming 2014-15 chapter council started spring term off At the start of Spring Quarter, we attended an annual philanthropy conducted by participating in a weekend filled with bonding and training at the Kappa Kabinfraternity Delta Tau Delta. Kappa Kabin is They hosted a cabin pageant that adviser, Stephanie Bailey owns every sorority participated in Peoria and lends by nominating one representative to our chapter to use compete in the event. This event raised money for Leadership Day. The first Kappa Kabin was in 2011City of Hope through fundraisers and donations. That following weekendThis year, we held selected Justine Sterling, who perfectly embodies Kappa as a continuous open bidding whole. Justine worked extremely hard raising funds via bake sales on campus (COB aka informal recruitmentKappa Kappacino) event themed “Spring into , and Karaoke singing night (KappaKaraoke), as well as various dining and recreational events." We welcomed 3 additional sisters to our chapterJustine rasied over $4,000 for The City of Hope and took home the crown as Miss Delta Queen 2014. Alpha Deuteron Chapter Her hard work and dedication paid off making all of Monmouth College again invited us proud. Not to attend mention, we loved watching her in the pageant, especially her talent portion of rapping. In the month of April, we hosted our 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 Love & Loyal-Tea organizations cheered them on from the stands. For this event around , admission was bringing in a new book that we could donate or a fee of $5. In the beginning end, we raised over $2,000 and over a hundred books. We donated the books we received and part of spring termthe proceeds to Madison Elementary and the rest of the proceeds to RIF.
At 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 end of April, Knox College's annual whole Greek Week was heldcommunity. The theme this This year was “Greek TV", we worked hard at many practices and came up in second place. Also at Who knew we were so athletic? After sports week, we decided to have a social with the end men of AprilPhi Gamma Delta, Standards surprised who were our coaches for sports week. Bowling for strikes and spares was the rest event of the chapter with a secret sisterhood event at Lake Storey. We grilled hamburgersnight while dressed in our Hawaiian skirts, played gamesshirts, and in the lakeleis.
In MayAnother event UCR hosts every year is Pillars Week. Pillars Week is a 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, Eta Kappa hosted its annual formal and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated to uniting the community of Greeks at Cherry Street Bar our school. With Epsilon Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these traits and Restaurant Greek unity, we worked so hard and its annual Academic Excellence Banquet in the Common Room of Old Mainended up placing first along with our team.
Towards the end During this same week we had one of spring termour favorite philanthropies, A Day In The Life. For this event, we initiated our 3 new membersbring sixth grade students from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a tour, have lunch, and said goodbye play fun activities with us all in the hopes of inspiring these students to 9 strong graduating seniorsgo to college and strive for higher education. This year we divided into different tour guiding groups and played interactive games such as red rover. It was a perfect day to have the students on campus because they were all able to see a busy campus full of students 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!"
Returning With school coming to Knox an end in Septembera few months, Eta Kappa focused on building sisterhood and friendshipit was the perfect time for our Beta Beta New Member retreat. During Homecoming Our New Member chair planned a daring evening of rock climbing at Knox College a local rock climbing gym, Hangar 18. Girls harnessed in October, we held our annual open house for alumnae and chalked their hands as they used their upper body strength and raced to revisit the house and old timestop of the rock walls. After Homecoming, we hosted It was a fundraiser, Save-A-Heart (perfect night for Beta Beta to be reconnected and have a play on little fun work out. For one of the last meetings of the formeryear, Win-A-Date, Eta Kappaour whole chapter went to Farrell's annual date auction themed fundraiser). Proceeds benefited the American Heart Association. Also during this timeIce Cream Parlor to feast on all different flavors of ice cream, while discussing business, Knox’s National Panhellenic Council hosted its 2nd annual Wellness Week (although technically the week long was held a second time in the year 2014)of course. This time event is one of our most delicious sisterhood events since we get to eat all the ice cream we participated in yoga want, be sung to by Farrell's employees, and indulging on desserts get to be with our NPC sisters. Also in October and also in good ole' Greek spirit, we participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days and in a dessert pot-luck with Delta Delta Delta. The memorable activities of Derby Days included pumpkin carving and a talent show. Proceeds from Derby Days benefited local non profit, Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center.
In 2014, Knox CollegeFor 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 first time in 20 years, opened photo booth to take adorable pictures while some danced the doors of Alumni Hall to faculty night away and staff since its closingothers ate their gourmet meal. Women's VolleyballDuring the celebrations, seniors were recognized, Women's Basketballgiven crowns, and Men's Basketball would similarly bring 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 experience of a first time in a long time by defeating rival, Monmouth College2013-2014 school year. Go Prairie Fire!
FYI: Eta Kappa Chapter hosts chapter meetings 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 Kappa House located at 320 West Brooks Street during late afternoons on Sundaysmonths of July and August. The house is owned by Knox College During every orientation, Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a table where we answered questions about our organizations, sorority life, UCR and does not provide lodging or classroom spacecollege in general. The Kappa House is open daily from 8:00 AM We hoped to 11:00 PM get incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for the members of Eta college and hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa Chapter . Not only that, but almost as a summer reunion, all of our girls got together to film our, almost famous, recruitment video. We went to the beach, our campus, and the park to film a short video embodying Kappa Kappa Gamma and our strong sisterhood. It turned out to use as be a space for doing homework, cooking snacks or meals (baking treats for sisters!), hit on our campus and meetings/eventswith other chapters from other campuses as well.
In terms After a nice, long break of housing heading to the members 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 Eta sisterhood grew exponentially stronger and our love for Kappa Chapter, radiated in preparation of finding our newest members often exercise . On the option weekend of living together in dormitory spaces across campus October 3, we spent 3 days socializing and spreading our love and in apartments/houses off campusexcitement to every potential new member who entered our room. These living quarters are We fell in no way affiliated officially love with so many girls and worked so hard that this turned out to Eta Kappa Chapter be one of our most successful recruitments ever, bringing in our biggest New Member class of Kappa Kappa Gamma53 girls.
==Highlights 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 new ladies, 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 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 the whole chapter was present as girls embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. That same night, New Members were ushered to their New Member sleepover where they bonded over games, learned about our Founders, and laughed over stories. A couple weeks later, Bigs drove their Littles to our fall social with the men of Sigma Psi Epsilon. 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 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 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 community got 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 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.
During the year of 2015, Eta Kappa has grown in areas that were once weak and continued a tradition of
leadership. In January, we held formal Panhellenic Recruitment. Thanks to the due diligence of our
Membership Chair and her committee, we met quota and also were given a quota addition. We were
immediately able to hold a COB event in an attempt to reach total. We welcomed 9 new members to Eta
Kappa as our Winter Formal class, the largest new member class we have had in recent history.
During February, Eta Kappa joined Nationals to hold Academic Excellence Month. Different families
competed against each other throughout the month to see which family could accrue the most study hours
in order to win a prize. The competition was fun but it’s rewarding to see the bonds built from studying
together! We also raised funds for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation through our annual event, Kappa
Krush, which we table to have students and faculty send cans of Krush Soda to friends during the week
leading up to Valentine’s Day. Our annual Semi-Formal dance was also held in February at Cherry Street
Grill with the theme of “Every Kiss begins with Kappa”, it was a fun and safe event for all the Kappa’s and
their dates.
In March, we ended the term in full force with the initiation ==Highlights of our new members, our annual Reading isKey event at the Discovery Depot, which is hold as a way to support Reading is Fundamental, and electionsfor chapter council.2015==
Early April was a time for This past year, Epsilon Pi has had many defining moments that continue to shape each of our officer transitionsmember’s college experiences. Our annual eventAfter coming back from a very well deserved winter break surrounded by family and sisters, Kappa Kabin, was held as we began a way tounite the new Chapter Council quarter in January and create goals for the upcoming year. The Chapter Council for 2015-2016hopes to increase communication and cohesion within the council quickly put our heads back in order to grow to new heights withineach position. Following the Earthquake in Nepalgame, we partnered starting with the Pi Beta Phi and held a “Pi’s andKappacino” event in order to give funds to the Nepali Earthquake Relief Fundelections. This event was very close toour heart due to the fact the one of As always, our sister’s is from Nepal and there is a very large Nepali population onsisters made excellent decisions when selecting our campus. We were even able to raise $640! Our new philanthropy chair and her committee also created aLittle Free Library for local children with the idea of “take what you need, leave what you want”.Throughout the term, we participated in various events Chapter Council that we have a tradition of being a part consist of such asGreek Weekstrong, Alpha Phi Omega’s Walk-a-Thonefficient, and Tri Delta’s Kickball event for St JudeKappa leaders.
We also hosted Shortly after, our Event Chair planned our first social of the quarter at a nearby community park with one of the IFC fraternities on campus. Our members and the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta decked out in white apparel in preparation for a Leadership Consultant fun night filled with glow in the Springdark paint and athletic activities. We separated into teams and Kappas proudly showed off their flag football skills, we were very excited to welcome Whitney back toour chapter!all while glowing in the dark.
The school year was finished off with Towards the end of the month Beta Gamma, our Formalnewest pledge class, which attended a retreat. This retreat took place at our newly remodeled recreation center on campus. There was held at a rock climbing wall and a ropes course. They participated in activities that all revolved around teamwork and some critical thinking. During one of the activities, sisters had to figure out a way to get a rope to the Burg Bar other side without moving by working together. They were also blindfolded and Grill 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 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 ourannual Senior Sendoff eventsides. We couldn’t be more proud of the 10 Eta Kappa seniors who graduated inJune of 2015!
Over There was no better way to begin the summer, month of February than by having our Public Relations chairman annual scholarship dinner. Our Vice President of Academic Excellence worked tirelessly very hard in order to update recognize and honor our website smart, studious sisters and worked withgive them the credit they deserve. We all met at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Riverside in our Membership chair to design a great shirt for our Fall Informal Recruitment Bid Daysharpest key attire. We also wear theseshirts were excited and anxious to Pumphandle, an event eat delicious Italian food and hear all about our school holds each year prior to sister’s amazing accomplishments. Some of the beginning of classes starting whereall studentsawards included most study hours, highest GPA, most improved GPA, facultyand 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 staff meet on strive to be the lawn best Kappas they can be. This night was filled with positive and uplifting words that reminded and encouraged all Kappas to shake handsmake academics a priority.
Fall term saw lots of success A few weeks later, it was time for Eta Kappaour Semi-Formal. Our spectacular Semi was located in Redlands, at the Fox Event Center. We held got ready in our most successful Fall Informal Recruitment best cocktail dresses andwelcomed 4 new members to our chapterevery Kappa looked extraordinary. Our New Member Chairman held an amazing Bid Night event ofcookie decoratingAs we arrived, games, attending the Volleyball Game words “Kappa Kappa Gamma” beautifully lit up on campus where one the outside billboard of the New Members wasplaying, venue. We ate a delicious dinner of various foods and ending it with danced the night away on a movie night at the housebeautifully set dance floor that was beneath sparkly chandeliers. Our Vice President If sisters weren’t dancing, many of Standards and StandardsCommittee organized them were also taking a special Secret Standards event in lieu galore of pictures to capture all of a chapter meetingthe fun and lavish moments. This Secret Standardsevent A professional photographer was also available at our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch! We picked out pumpkinsphoto booth, sipped apple cider, enjoyed which was set up using ahayridebohemian backdrop that was of course, dark and light blue. This magical and fun night with our sisters and ended the trip riding on their mini cow train- an Eta Kappa favoritedates couldn’t have been better.
Some other new additions 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 thought it couldn’t get any harder, rain started to pour on us. We laughed off our chapter struggles, and tried to finish up quickly. Although the rain was using GINsystem to log study hours in study spaceson and off throughout campus as well as an attendance competition the night, Kappas always know how to encourage members have a good time, and our camping experience was nothing but fun and adventure. We walked to take active control the beautiful lake that was surrounded by mountains, ate pizza, sat by the campfire, and ate an abundant amount oftheir membership!smores. Connecting with nature with our sisters by our side was truly a memorable day, and Kappa camping was a success despite some obstacles.
At Our Spring Quarter began by participating in the end fraternity 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 term, we were able to initiate 3 event. Our chapter couldn’t think of a more perfect candidate other than our 4 New Members after a successful InspirationPeriodsister Krystal Neag. Eta Kappa holds the tradition A few of having meaningful events during the inspiration period. Theremaining member was unable many fundraisers Krystal put together were Kappa Kappucino, where sisters helped sell baked goods on campus, Kappa Karaoke, where tickets were sold to initiate sing one’s heart out, and a fundraiser at that time due to the Women’s Soccer team making it Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, where people were able to theConference final which occurred during our initiationsatisfy their sweet tooth. We are happy to say, howeverOur sisters had such a fun time supporting her and watching all of her outstanding performances, including a dance that Elmhurst Collegewas gracious in hosting our New Member based on different decades. Krystal won Highest Fundraiser, and two raised one-third of the total of our active sisters and she the money, which was initiated!very impressive.
Knox College was recently able to hire a new Greek Life AdvisorDuring the month of April we also held our joint philanthropic event, Words With Friends, Eleanor Kahnwith the ladies of Pi Beta Phi. Eta Kappa was happy towelcome her to Both of our campusphilanthropies revolve around literacy, she has been very accessible so this competitive event is focused on spelling and a great resource for our chapterreading. Our chapterhas also been very active within We had representatives from each sorority and fraternity competing in speed-reads and spelling bees while their organizations cheered them on from the Greek communitystands. CurrentlyFor this event, admission was bringing in a new book that we are could donate or a fee of $5. In the most represented organizationin Order of Omegaend, a National Greek Honor Society in which two of our sisterswe raised over $1, seniors MackenzieAnderson 250 and Cassidy Jones, hold five hundred books. We donated the executive positions books we received and part of President the proceeds to Madison Elementary and Secretary, respectively. EtaKappa prides itself on being very well represented on Panhellenic Council as well. Senior Emily Powers isthe President rest of Panhellenic Council, a high honor. In the Spring, our chapter received an All Greek Awardfor best Academic Programproceeds to RIF.
Eta Kappa has held itself 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 a higher standard than perhaps ever beforeproudly demonstrate what our organization is all about. As We ate a wholedelicious brunch together, sang to them, and had tables displaying our chapter has beenrefreshed history, crafts, and uplifted this yearawards. It is the opinion of our chapter that officer transitions was a great time, and every parent fell even more in April brought new life to our chapter as these officers began to work together in ways that harnessed our potentiallove with Kappa Kappa Gamma. Ourmembers have been showing willingness to bring Kappa to new heightsTo deal with the hot Riverside weather, as explained through our sisters collaborated with the many newendeavors throughout brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi a couple weeks later and had a fun day at the yearpark with water balloons and ice cream. It if for this reason that we feel we have most triumphed Water splashing on us and the cold taste of ice cream in overcomingapathy and eagerly embraced new opportunities, which has allowed us our mouths was a perfect way to truly live up to Kappa KappaGamma’s idealscombat the heat.
As mentioned aboveOur last, Knox College hired Eleanor Kahn. She serves as Campus Life Staff in many rolesand a top favorite, onephilanthropy of which is the Greek 2015-year was Day in the Life Advisor. We bring sixth graders from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a position that ceased tour, have lunch, and play fun activities with us all in the hopes of inspiring these students to go to college and strive for a higher education. Sisters are divided into different touring groups in order to get to know the kids personally and be able to exist be more hands on and interactive. We teach them spirit chants and walk around the busy hallways of campus so they can experience for themselves what its like to be a year college student. This philanthropy is so rewarding because every student anticipates going to college, UCR in specific, at the end of the day. They also fall in love with our schoolamazing organization and want to be future Kappas, even the boys.
Chapter Philanthropy:Before heading into summer, we had 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. 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.
What One of our last events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, Pillars Week. Pillars week is a whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for. All greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in competitions focused on a different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, or donated hours and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated touniting the community of greeks at our school. With Epilson Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these traits and greek unity, we worked hard and won awards including Chapter of the Year, in your community?Highest GPA, and Best Collaborative Program. Everyone was so Kappa proud and this was an excellent way to end the school year.
Traditionally we fund raise Although it was summer for some, Kappas were still working hard on campus partaking in every freshman orientation in order to get incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for Reading is Fundamental college and hold hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa. Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a major RIF event each Wintertable where we answered questions about our organizations, sorority life, which weupheld this yearUCR and college in general. We also fund raise for During the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation each Winter with our KappaKrush fundraisersummer, which is we also described abovereunited to film our recruitment video. This Fall Some of the places we were also chosen went to participate in included the RoseMcGill Holiday Programbeach, which we enjoyed so much!an amusement park, and one of our sister's beautiful home. Our amazing video embodied Kappa and our strong sisterhood very accurately.
Why did your 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 choose this organization(s) was able to socialize with girls and make them fall in love with everything that we 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. The Monday following recruitment, Bid Day, we welcomed all of our bright and spectacular new members with baseball themed apparel, and had hot dogs and burgers for dinner. It was definitely one of the best ball games for our Kappa sisters. After a week of clues, room decorating, and anxiousness, we ended October with our Big Little Reveal. Littles unwrapped their Bigs and embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. That same night, new members were ushered to support?their new member sleep over where they bonded over games, learned about our founders, and laughed over stories.
An Eta The start of November consisted of asking dates to our Kappa tradition is to choose an organization to fundraise for each year that is near Date Party. We received matching carnival crewnecks, and dear headed to asister’s heartScandia Amusement Park. In We spent the pastnight playing mini-golf, riding rollercoasters, we’ve supported sisters who suffered from Crohn’s Diseasedriving bumper cars, a sister who has hadongoing battles with Heart Diseaseand eating delicious fair food. Quickly after, an orphanage that initiation week approached. Our Marshal hosted a sister worked Big and Little night at personally a local ice-skating rink. Bigs and Littles dressed in Botswanamatching outfits and skated together, fell together, and drew closer as big and morelittle.We raised funds for Our last and most important event of the Nepali Earthquake Relief Fund this year on two separate occasions, due to howclose was the cause was to one initiation of our sisters and new members of the Nepalese community at Knox CollegeBeta Delta class. We paired in It was a newevent with Pi Beta Phi, Pie’s beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and Kappacino’s, in the springfinally understood what makes Kappa so strong. We also created another new major fundraisingevent, It was the Kappa Kolor Run, as a perfect way to replace an older, outdated event our chapter had held in the past.We raised over $1000 in the end such a successful year 2015 for the Nepali Earthquake Relief Fund and were even able to meetthe Director of the organizationEpsilon Pi Chapter.
==Highlights One of 2016==our most recent changes on campus is the addition of a new sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This was very exciting for Epsilon Pi, and an excellent opportunity to help colonize and make new friends. There are now seven panhellenic sororities at UCR, and there has been an overall increase in interest in the Greek community. With so many more girls interested in the recruiting process, each year our chapter seems to grow immensely with 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 new girls.
For the year 2016, Eta Kappa has evolved and grown, and continued a tradition of leadership. In January, we held formal Panhellenic Recruitment. Thanks Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to the dedication of our Membership Chair and her committee, we met quota. We were also able to add another new member through COB immediately following bid day. support? We welcomed 9 new members chose to Eta Kappa as support this organization because our Winter Formal class, chapter enjoys working hands on with the same size for a new member class that we had children in 2015. During Recruitmentour area, and we had know our LC Ariel there to help us outservice and donations are impacting them directly. She was very helpful as we worked to make sure all chapter members understood the procedures for voting during Recruitment. During FebruaryWe prefer actual interaction, Eta Kappa joined the fraternity to hold Academic Excellence Monthrather than simply handing a check. Every member competed to earn points by sending pictures of themselves studying to their academic liaisons. A lot of members became It is very involved with it and it was great PR for Kappa on campus. The spirit of competition was fun, but it’s rewarding to see the growth in study habits that our VPAE was able to foster. We also raised funds for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation through how our annual event, Kappa Krush, where we table to have students and faculty send cans of Krush Soda to friends during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. We raised over $100 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Our annual Semi-Formal dance was also held in February at Iron Spike; it was a fun and safe event philanthropy affects these children for all the Kappa’s and their datesbetter.
In March, we ended the term in full force with the initiation of our new members, our annual Reading is Key event at the Galesburg Public Library, which is our way of supporting Reading is Fundamental, and elections for chapter council right before the end of our Winter Term. Early April was a time for our officer transitions. Our annual event, Kappa Kabin, was held as a way to unite the new Chapter Council and create goals for the upcoming year. The Chapter Council for 2016-2017 hopes to increase communication and cohesion within the council in order to grow to new heights within each position. Accountability has become a main priority for the Eta Kappa Chapter Council. Throughout the term, we participated in various events that we have a tradition of being a part of such as Greek Week, Alpha Phi Omega’s Walk-a-Thon, and Tri Delta’s Kickball event for St Jude's. We also held an informal recruitment event, and we were able to get 4 new members, which brought us to total. We held our initiation at the end of our Spring Term to bring our chapter to 40 members right before our senior class graduated. The school year was finished off with our Formal, which was held at the event hall 156 Main and with our annual Senior Sendoff event. Over the summer, our VP Standards represented us at Convention in San Diego, CA. She brought back many ideas that other chapters have used to improve accountability as well as some good ideas for sisterhood events, Coming back for the fall, we did not hold an informal recruitment event because we were above total. This was the first time in recent memory that Eta Kappa has been the biggest sorority at Knox. Since we did not have new members, our focus has been on improving chapter support and bonding as a whole group so we can successfully welcome new members in January. Our diversity chairman has put together many events to help us foster a better understanding of each other. Our chapter also championed a major philanthropic event for the second time called the Kappa Kolor Run! Our Philanthropy chairman worked tirelessly to create a fun event that was accessible to our entire campus. We were able to raise $430 dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association. We selected this philanthropy because two of our members have a grandmother who is dealing with Alzheimer’s and we always choose a philanthropy that is near and dear to our members. We are there for each other to lift one another up and make the world a better place. We wrapped up our fall term with some membership workshops and the selection of day chairs for recruitment so that we can go all out when we return to campus in January for Formal Recruitment. Our chapter has also been very active within the Greek community. Currently, we are the most represented organization in Order of Omega, a National Greek Honor Society in which one of our sisters, Allie Whitehill, is the Vice President.. Eta Kappa prides itself on being very well represented on Panhellenic Council as well. Junior Maggie Brick is the Vice President of Panhellenic Council and served as the interim President in the Spring of 2016. Six of our sisters were a part of the Women’s Soccer team that went to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. We were all so proud to cheer them all on in their historic run to an undefeated conference season. This year, another sorority transitioned to a house this year. Now that Alpha Sigma Alpha has a house, every sorority on campus does. We hope this will help us boost interest in formal recruitment and allow all of the chapters to grow simultaneously. The Greek community has been working hard to come together as a whole and make itself a presence on campus that is seen in a positive light. As a whole, the Greek community has help more philanthropy events than ever before. Our chapter has evolved as always, but our focus on academics has been rapidly improving. We had the highest sorority GPA for both Winter and Spring ==Highlights of 2016 and we are very proud of that. The academic excellence committee has been working hard and it has paid off. We have also been working on lifting each other up as women. In a world that sometimes pits women against each other, it is important to us that we as a chapter lift each other up and support one another. Many of our members were deeply saddened by the election results, but it has given us a new drive to stand up for womankind. Traditionally we fund raise for Reading is Fundamental and hold a major RIF event each Winter, which we upheld this year. We also fund raise for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation each winter with our Kappa Krush fundraiser, which is also described above. We also support St. Jude’s through Tri Delta kickball tournaments and the DHOP event, as well as Pi Phi’s Literacy Organization through Pie a Pi Phi.==
==Highlights 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 2017==the stupendous night. This extraordinary night with sisters and their dates couldn’t have gone better.
Eta Kappa began the calendar year with Formal RecruitmentReading Is Key, where we were happy to receive seven new members as our sisterswinter philanthropy, one of whom is a Kappa legacyquickly approached after. Our recruitment theme this year was The Wizard of Oz, which included a day at the tagline “There’s No Place Like Homezoo.” Our Bid Night theme was “Under the Sea,” subtitled “Darling It’s Better Wearing Our Letters.” Big-Little Reveal was done via matching socks between the pairs and was done before formal pledging on January 22nd. Our formal class was initiated on March 4th, We decorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with our chapter adviser zebra and three alumnae in attendance. As it happenedcheetah print decorations, initiation was the same day as our chapter’s 10th anniversary. As part of the celebrationface painting station, Fraternity President Beth Black surprised us with balloons and cake during a visit at chapter on March 5threading station. Our academic performance winter term Sisters enjoyed painting the children’s face whether it was phenomenal. We boasted an average 3.33 GPA among our membersa simple design, which was 0or creative zoo animals.1 points above the all-women average and 0.2 points above the all-sorority average. Six of our members had 4.0s. Our winter semi-formal took place at 156 East in Galesburg, Illinois and had a 1920’s Kappa Kappa Gatsby theme. We were also proud to install a member from Alpha chapter into our own chapter during the winter. Spring term was especially busy for Eta Kappa, as The book we hosted “Wild for Kappa” informal recruitment events chose to start the term, and we welcomed four new members. Bid Night read was “Under the Sea with KKG” and Big-Little Reveal was done by Animal Strike at the pairs finding someone with a matching itemZoo, such as big holding cookies and each kid received one of their little holding milk, or a lock and key, etcvery own to take home. Formal pledging This was very exciting for the spring new member class took place on April 19th and they were initiated on May 20th. One alumna was in attendance. As part them since most of our transition into a new Chapter Council, one of our sisters hosted an overnight Kappa Kabin on April 29th to allow the new CC to bond with each other and discuss goals for our chapter these kids are from under privileged households and ourselves. Our annual Reading is Key event took place at the Galesburg Public Library on May 20th, where we distributed children’s books to the Galesburg community and hosted craft tables for the kids. Our Academic Excellence banquet took place on May 17th. Professors that had significant positive impact on academics for our members were invited, where we celebrated give them as well as are usually the achievements of individuals first books they own. We also donated many books to their library in our chapter. 2 members were initiated into our campus’ chapter hopes of Order of Omegaexposing them to learn about how important and fun reading can be. Formal Our day was at the Watson Legacy Center in Galesburgfilled with reading, Illinois Unfortunatelycrafting, we had to say goodbye to our nine graduating seniors with a Senior Send-Off, which featured letters written for and by seniorsdelicious snacks, and their graduation stoles were presented to them at this Kappa’s had such a fun timeinteracting with these wonderful kids.
Fall term has been incredibly busy for many individual members, as Eta Kappa is made up At the beginning of a large number the month of fall athletes, who participate March our philanthropy chair planned an amazing event with Madison Square elementary school in soccer, volleyball, tennis, and cross country at Knox Collegehonor of Dr. Seuss day. We are especially proud All of our members on the soccer team, who made it sisters went to the NCAA Division III Regionals Tournament for the second year school dressed in a row! We were fortunate enough to invite two new members to our chapter this term through a continuous open bid processtheir best Dr. Seuss attire, and while they formally pledged on October 8th, they will join our new member class of winter 2018 for initiation due read to conflicts between athletic schedules as well as complications planning initiation through another chapter, who the children. This was holding their initiation while finals were taking place at Knox. Eta Kappa attended a workshop such an amazing experience for sororities hosted by the campus Greek Life adviser and Title IX Coordinator us to discuss sexual assault and how we can effectively intervene when we see incidents where someone might be endangered or vulnerable. Two members were initiated into our campus’ chapter of Order of Omega, bringing our total number of Kappas in Order of Omega up to six. We were proud to host our annual Kappa Kolor Run the joy on October 8th with Alpha chapter, which benefitted the Rose McGill Aid Foundation. We look forward to what children’s faces as we read the next year will bring to Eta Kappa and the Fraternitysilliest of Dr." Reading is Key: a community outreach event that seeks to distribute as many Seuss books as possible to children in Galesburg in order promote lifelong learning and literacy in accordance with the goals of Reading is Fundamentalthem. Our philanthropies include, Kappa Kolor Run: an annual 5K Later on in the fall, proceeds month of which benefit a particular charity or service each year as decided by March the chapter. For example, Kolor Run 2017 benefitted hurricane relief through the Rose McGill Aid Foundation due to the devastation of Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Kolor Run 2016 benefitted the Alzheimer’s Foundation because two sisters had recently lost newest member class Beta Delta got together for a family new member to Alzheimer’sretreat. Kappa Krush: sales of Orange Krush soda benefit The retreat was held on our campus at the Rose McGill Aid Foundation annuallystudent recreational centers excursion course. Brunch Buddies: recurring event every academic term where chapter The new members make something all had a wonderful experience as they tried to benefit other organizationsclimb up rock walls, ropes and ladders. Past examples include writing letters to our representatives or crafting cards The new member retreat was such a great bonding experience for veterans. Pis and Kappacinos: a collaborative philanthropy event with the Beta-Delta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. Occurs occasionally when our schedules work together. In the past, this event has benefitted Nepal’s Earthquake Relief because at the time we had a sister that was Nepali. A charity that we benefit for this event is typically chosen with the Pi Phis.
Eta Kappa meets in To start off the month of April we welcomed all of our lovely parents to our non-residential house for chapter Annual Parents Day at 320 WIndian Hills Country Club. Brooks Street, Galesburg, IL 61401This was a fantastic day that allowed us to share why Kappa Kappa Gamma means so much to each of us with the parents . Pictured below is where Awards were given out to Kappa’s for their academic excellence and for their spirit and dedication to the Epsilon Pi Chapter. Parents and Kappa’s all sat and ate a wonderful brunch and learned all about the amazing things that we hold chapter, though it does double 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 night to remember as we watched many of the students form the Greek community participate in our speed read and games. The entry fee to the event was a living room children’s books and all of the books raised where members study and socializedonated to the children of Madison elementary school.
==Highlights Also in the month of 2018==April Epsilon Pi participated in the fraternity, 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 more perfect candidate other than our sister Sarah Lopinski. Sarah put together many fundraisers for the event including Kappa Kappucino, where sisters helped sell baked goods on campus, and Kappa Karaoke, where sisters and friends got together and sang their hearts out. Our sisters had such a fun time supporting her and watching all of her outstanding performances.
For To start off the year 2018, Eta Kappa has evolved and grown--continuing a tradition month of leadership and starting a new tradition of inclusivity. In January, May we held Primary Panhellenic Recruitment. Thanks to had our annual philanthropy Day in the hard work of our Membership Chair and her committeeLife, where we met quotabus over 6th graders from Madison Elementary to UCR. We welcomed 10 new members get the opportunity to Eta Kappa as our Winter Formal class, with the addition of two from the fall term COBs. Our overall theme for recruitment was “Key show these young children what its like to Paradise” and recruitment was held over three nights rather than the usual four nights. The new members were welcomed into the house for Bid Night under the theme “How Sweet it is not only be a college student but what its like to be a Kappa.” In total, We give all the four sororities saw an increase in potential new members which is exciting for the growth students a tour of our chapter. The new class officially pledged on January 28th with our chapter specialist beautiful campus and one alumna presentteach them different UCR cheers.February was busy, starting with Academic Excellence. Eta Kappa joined After the fraternity to hold Academic Excellence Month and every member in Eta Kappa competed to earn points by sending pictures of themselves studying to their academic liaisons. A lot of members became very involved with AE and it was great PR for Kappa on campus. The hashtags #kkggenius and #kkgscholar could be seen all tours are over Knox via Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. On February 5th, our Big-Little Reveal was held. To match bigs and littles, we put a curtain between pairs of socks and when all eat lunch together on the curtain dropped, each member found her match. Also during February, we raised funds for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation through grass by our annual event, Kappa Krush. Students famous bell tower and faculty sent cans of Crush Soda to friends during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. We raised over $100 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Semi-Formal dance was also held in February at Galesburg Civic Arts Center play fun games with the theme “A Night at the Musuemchildren.”March came and we initiated our Winter and Fall term pledge classes on the 3rd. We then held elections for Chapter Council before By the end of winter term. The weekend after spring break, Eta Kappa was fortunate enough the day all the children are telling us how they are so excited to go to host “Behind Happy Facescollege,” this is such an amazing feeling knowing that you have done a program that brings awareness part in getting one more child excited to mental health issuesshoot for a higher education.
In early April, Eta Kappa held a leadership weekend with After patiently waiting all year for one of Epsilon Pi's favorite events the help of time had finally come for our district specialistannual Formal. The weekend consisted of old and new CC sharing ideas on how to improve our leadership within our Chapter. It was made a priority at this leadership weekend to communicate as often as possible with each other and our respective specialists.Reading is Fundamental This years formal was held on May 3rd at Steele Elementary Schoola beautiful country club located in Costa Mesa. This year, our philanthropy chairman coordinated with the school night was one to have us read remember with lots of beautiful pictures, and delicious food Before heading into summer we had one last sisterhood in which we spent the students during their usual library timenight in a mansion in Corona. The event was a success! Kids were delighted when they found out they would be able to take a book--donated We all began by Kappa--and a bookmark home. Formal took place taking cute photos with the many kappa props that we had brought on May 17th at the Prairie Players Civic Theatre with outside of the mansion by thetheme "A Night in Old Hollywoodbeautiful pool." May 26th Later on that night we said goodbye to our lovely 10 seniors with our Senior Send-off Brunch.Over got together and watched a scary movie in the summer, our President and Event Chairman represented us at home theatre that the Convention house had. We all snuggled up in Denver, CObeds together hoping that we could sleep after watching such a scary movie. They brought back many ideas that other chapters This sisterhood was such a great experience since Epsilon Pi does not have used a sorority house we all got to improve efficiency and accountability within the chapterexperience for once what it would be like to be living together.
Fall term One of our last events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, Pillars Week. Pillars week is always a hectic time whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for Eta Kappa as our sisters are involved a successful organization. All greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in many competitions focused on a different organizations on campus. We had sisters on the women’s soccer team and volleyball teamtrait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, student teaching and participating in Rep Termscholarship. We unfortunately were unable This whole week is dedicated to get new members during fall term and instead focused on strengthening uniting the community of greeks at our sisterhood and fostering an appreciation for ritualschool.
On November 3rd During the months of summer some of the us got together to film for our major philanthropic event Kappa Kolor Run was heldrecruitment video. This was We filmed in multiple locations in riverside including one of our most successful philanthropic event to this date as we raised over sisters beautiful homes. After a thousand dollars. Our philanthropy chairman worked tirelessly fun filled exciting summer all of our sister where excited to put on this event and incorporated a silent auction, which was made possible by local businesses in Galesburgbe reunited once again for recruitment. She also changed On the route first weekend of the color run October 2,, our chapter was able to socialize with girls and make it more of a community event than a Knox eventthem fall in love with everything that we as Kappa’s do. All proceeds were donated to We showed them the multiple sclerosis foundation. Each year Eta meaning of Kappa donates to a cause , our values, and our philanthropy that hits close we hold so dear to homeus. Our dedication and hard work paid off and we received an amazing new pledge class of well--this year rounded and kindhearted girls. Sunday night we held our Bid Day, we picked this foundation because welcomed all of our philanthropy chairman’s best friend was recently diagnosed new members with MSlife guard themed apparel, and had an assortment of Mexican food for dinner.We wrapped up After a fun week of room decorating, clues, and anxiousness, we ended October with our fall term by hosting an LC Big Little Reveal. Little’s found the matching pair of sock behind a sheet and when the sheet dropped their Big’s were revealed. Big’s and little’s embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and attending a sexual assault workshopjoy. Elections That same night, new members were again held for the ushered to their new Exec Boardmember sleep over where they bonded over games, learned about our founders, as Eta Kappa is moving towards the new pilot structure. Transitions will not happen until mid Februaryand laughed over stories.
Our chapter has also been very active within The start of November consisted of the Greek community. Currentlyevent our wonderful Marshal hosted, a sisterhood night were we are represented all skated around the roller rink together in Order our matching inspo week shirts. The most important event of Omega, a National Greek Honor Society in which one the year was the initiation of our sisters, Megan Koluch, is new members of the PresidentBeta Epsilon class. Eta It was a beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa prides itself on being very well represented on Panhellenic Council as wellKappa Gamma. Sophomore Danny Cerna Nunez served as Vice President They discovered the true meaning of Diversity for the Panhellenic Council during the Spring all our beliefs and Fall terms, values and senior Danielle Ellis is taking over the position for the Winter Term of 2019finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. Six of our sisters were a part To finish of the Women’s Soccer team that went to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive yearwe had on of our most fun events Kappa Date Party.As a chapter We received matching shirts that prides ourselves on academics, we were happy designed by one of our own sisters and headed to see our term GPA at its best Boomers Amusement Park in Irvine. We spent the fall with an average GPA of 3.34. Seven sisters made Dean’s List night riding bumper cars, go karts, climbing rock walls, playing laser tag, and three of those sisters had 4miniature golf.0s. Our average term GPA was 0.16 points better than Overall it has been a successful year for the all-Greek averageEpsilon Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Due to our growing chapterThe most recent change on campus this year is most definitely the amount of students that now attend the University of California Riverside. For the first time in history Riverside received more than 50, Eta Kappa is looking 000 student applications for admission. With that many more incoming students of course there where quite a new place to hold chapters to accommodate our needsfew more women who signed up for recruitment this year as well. At With so many more women interested in the momentrecruitment process, each year our chapter is held at seems to grow immensely with a many more new members. We are always ecstatic to welcome new members into our non-residential house (pictured below) at 320 W. Brooks Street, Galesburg, IL 61401 at 5:00 P.M. on Sundayschapter and we have been handling the size increase quit well.
==Highlights of 2018==Epsilon Pi traditionally raises money for our adopted local underprivileged elementary school, Madison Elementary. Throughout the year we hold three philanthropic events for them, Reading is Key, Words With Friends, and A Day in the Life.
For Epsilon Pi choses to support this organization because it gives us the year 2018, Eta Kappa has evolved and grown--continuing a tradition of leadership and starting a new tradition of inclusivity. In January, we held Primary Panhellenic Recruitment. Thanks opportunity to work hands on with the hard work of youth in our Membership Chair and her committee, we met quotaarea. We welcomed 10 new members It is amazing to Eta Kappa as see our Winter Formal class, with service and donations impact the the addition lives of two from the fall term COBsfuture of our community. Our overall theme for recruitment was “Key Epsilon Pi prefers the face to Paradise” face interaction that we get from our events such as Day in The Life and recruitment was held over three nights Reading is Key, rather than the usual four nightsthen simply just raising money and handing in a check. The new members were welcomed into the house for Bid Night under the theme “How Sweet it It is so rewarding to be a Kappa.” In total, the four sororities saw an increase in potential new members which is exciting see how our philanthropy affects these young students for the growth of our chapter. The new class officially pledged on January 28th with our chapter specialist and one alumna presentbetter.
February was busy, starting with Academic Excellence. Eta Kappa joined the fraternity to hold Academic Excellence Month and every member in Eta Kappa competed to earn points by sending pictures of themselves studying to their academic liaisons. A lot of members became very involved with AE and it was great PR for Kappa on campus. The hashtags #kkggenius and #kkgscholar could be seen all over Knox via Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. On February 5th, our Big-Little Reveal was held. To match bigs and littles, we put Epsilon Pi typically meets once a curtain between pairs of socks and when the curtain dropped, each member found her match. Also during February, we raised funds for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation through our annual event, Kappa Krush. Students and faculty sent cans of Crush Soda to friends during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. We raised over $100 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Semi-Formal dance was also held chapter meeting in February at Galesburg Civic Arts Center with the theme “A Night at the Musuema larger classroom or lecture hall on campus.”
March came and we initiated our Winter and Fall term pledge classes on the 3rd. We then held elections for Chapter Council before the end ==Highlights of winter term. The weekend after spring break, Eta Kappa was fortunate enough to host “Behind Happy Faces,” a program that brings awareness to mental health issues.2017==
Reading is Fundamental 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 on May 3rd at Steele Elementary SchoolBuild-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 year, our 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 chairman coordinated with . Not only did members play in the school tournament, they also came out to have us read with support and cheer on their sisters who played in the students during tournament. February 10th is when Epsilon Pi held their usual library timeannual winter philanthropic event, Reading is Key. The 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 success! Kids were delighted when they found out they would be able book to the children. At the end of the day each child got to take go home with a book--of their own. Also, the chapter donated by Kappa--and a bookmark homebooks to the school as well. Formal took place on May 17th at The final event Epsilon Pi held in the Prairie Players Civic Theatre 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 theme "A Night in Old Hollywoodmonth of February chapter elections were held." May 26th we said goodbye to our lovely 10 seniors with our Senior Send-off BrunchThe new chapter council was elected and joint Chapter Council Meeting was held the last week of February.
[[File:[[File:ExampleMarch of 2017 kicked off strong with a sisterhood held with the girls of Delta 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 Leadership day was held for the new and old Chapter Council members on March 5th.jpg]]]]==Highlights Leadership day was planned by our Vice President of 2019==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.
In January we Throughout the next couple of weeks Epsilon Pi was involved in a philanthropy called Miss Minerva held Formal Recruitment 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 theme based on 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, Delta Tau Delta, titled Delta Queen this philanthropy helped raise money for the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Both the Disney Pixar movie “Up” and were very excited 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 gain 10 new membersdo on campus at letters. The theme One example of Bid Night a small fundraiser held by our Delta Queen was “Beyoncé” and 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 full a vey successful event help on our campus. Epsilon Pi itself helped raise a large amount of laughter and chatting and getting money that we donated to know each chapter’s philanthropies. These events also strengthened our ties within our soon-Panhellenic community because every chapter had a representative and all the chapters competed against each other hopes to-be-sisterswin the pageant.
February kicked off our Academic Excellence April was a rather slow month during which members are encouraged compared to promote 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 value 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 academics by getting together Organization. While she was here she attended our chapter council meeting and visited with sisters 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 study and share photos while doing so deal with the hashtags “#kkgenius” and “#kkgscholarproblems in our chapter. On April 25th Epsilon Pi held another sisterhood event which was a kickboxing class held at the local UFC gym.” Our new The members found of Epsilon Pi all joined together sweated and laughed while working out who their Big sisters would be at our Big-Little Reveal on February 2ndall together. On April 29th Epsilon Pi was involved in Alpha Chi Omega's annual philanthropy the Carnation Carnival. We Epsilon Pi held our Semi-Formal dance on February 9th a both making Kappachinos and a both doing a coin toss at the Visions Venue event. Sisters volunteered to work both booths throughout the day. The following day Epsilon Pi participated in GalesburgDelta Gamma’s annual philanthropy titled Anchor Splash. Also A group of girls got together to compete in February, we diverged from various competitions throughout the old Kappa Krush fundraiser and started selling Kappa Kards to raise money for day. Epsilon Pi winning one of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundationevents which was synchronized swimming. We handmade All in all the Kards with witty Valentine’s Day sayings and even some with “Galentine’s Day” and other nontraditional Valentine’s Day cards busy weekend was a success for Knox students to give to their friends and loved onesEpsilon Pi.
In March we 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 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 first Diversity Dialogue which Event Chairman throughout the night seniors got recognized and celebrated as this is very important to our chapter their last formal Kappa event of college. On May 17th Epsilon Pi held another philanthropic event called Day in order to ensure the Life. At this event Epsilon Pi bused over 6th grade students from Madison Elementary, the same elementary school that Kappa was collaborated with for Reading is Key, and did many activities with them. The 6th graders were given a safe place where everyone should feel welcome tour of our campus and included no matter who they aredone various smaller activities with. We discussed difficult questions about race This philanthropy is very near and socioeconomic status as well as ways for sisters with significant privilege dear to our hearts because it allows us to use that privilege promote higher education to advocate for others kids who weren’t born with that same advantagemay have no knowledge of what college is like or why it is important.
Greek WeekParents' Day was held on May 21st at Indian Hills Golf Club. Thrown by the Public Relation Chairman, Parents' Day was a week promoting collaboration brunch for both members of Epsilon Pi and support across all fraternities 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 sororities on Knox’s campuseducation chairman, took place April 28th-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 4th22nd 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 Greek Week Banquet, Eta Kappa end of this week a banquet is held to give out awards to chapters for various achievements throughout the year. Epsilon Pi was presented awarded with Best Chapter Management celebrating our Chapter Council's recent achievements. On May 24th the awards Education Chairmen held a final sisterhood for Best Philanthropythe seniors. This sisterhood was held at a local trampoline park, Best New MemberSkyline, where the seniors were allowed to jump and Sorority Member 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 the Yearour chapter.
On The next week starting May 11th we had 30th through to the beginning of June was sports week for our Formal dance which had the theme Greek community. Epsilon Pi participated in many of “Light Up the Night.” On May 17thsports such as football, soccer, we had 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 event . This philanthropy was a Kappa Karwash. Sisters got together at Steele Elementary a local burger joint and washed cars in which order to raise money for Kappa’s national philanthropy. The next few weeks of June events died down because it was the students made bookmarks, received books end of the quarter and other school supplies, and read aloud their own short stories that they had written finals were nearing but our Vice President of Academic Excellence did hold a Kappa Study Party on June 11th for class. On May 18th, we said goodbye to all our lovely seniors through our Senior Send-off Brunchmembers. On May 19th, we conducted She rented out a Hygiene Drive in which we had a table outside study room at one of Hy-Vee our campus libraries and collected cash and product donationsheld a study party for all our members. We raised over $200 in cash and filled two laundry baskets full of hygiene products At the study party she provided many things for our sisters such as soapscantrons, hair products, shaving products, deodorant, menstrual productsblue books, and dental productspencils sisters might need for their finals.
On September 12-15thDuring the moths of July and August sisters were home for the summer, one 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 day was then held on October 8th at a fellow sister's house welcoming home our sisters attended new pledge class Beta Zeta. That following Monday, October 9th, the Leadership Conference 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 Ohio 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 brought back lots little week which occurred the week of insight from what other chapters do October 23rd. That Friday, October 27th, big and how we can make Eta Kappa more efficient in some wayslittle reveal was facilitated by our New Member Chairman on campus.
Starting in August we Following reveal the new members were driven to an active's house where they had many athletes arrive on campus early 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 begin bond with their seasonsnew littles and with the new pledge class. We are very proud The Week of all of our sisters October 29th through November 3rd Epsilon Pi was visited by another Leadership Consultant who are involved in extracurriculars such as 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 dance group TERP, Honor Board, Study Abroad (we have one sister who importance of attendance. The Leadership Consultant visit was successful in Germany for fall term), and research projectsthat she was able to help out chapter council with any guidance they needed leading their way into initiated the new pledge class.
We kicked off On November 4th Epsilon Pi participated in a philanthropy held by fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This philanthropy was a soccer tournament for the month of October with Informal Recruitment on various sororities to compete against each other and raise money Epsilon Pi had two teams competing in the 3rd through event and took both second and first place in the 5th during 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 we gained 1 new memberteams competed in various activities and games. Epsilon Pi also took first in this philanthropic event as well. We thenInspiration Week started on November 13th, through COB, gained another new member this being the period before initiation where girls sit back and think about Kappa and the true meaning and are very happy to have 2 new values that Kappa instills in each of its members who are already contributing so much to Eta . Throughout that week our Philanthropy chair held Epsilon Pi’s first philanthropy event for the school year being a KappaCanned food drive. Also in October, we hosted Epsilon Pi collected cans and donations from various greek organizations on our campus with an incredible Leadership Consultant, Emma Schlenker, who, among other things, helped us incentive that the organization that donates the most cans will get ready a $100 check written out to select their philanthropy. This however was a new executive board through 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 newly assembled Nominating CommitteeMarshall. Also in OctoberBig 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 Chapter meeting near Dia de los Muertos, one sister prepared minor league basketball game. On December 3rd Epsilon Pi’s Vice President of Academic Excellence planned a highly interesting Kappa Study Party so sisters can get together and informative presentation about study before finals in our on campus library. On December 6th the Education Chairman held a senior sisterhood where the holiday seniors meet at a sisters house and decorated ornaments and cookies to celebrate the history of its celebration to share with holidays. Through all these success for Epsilon Pi Chapter throughout 2017 the chapter’s morale has gained strength. All in all of our members2017 was a good year for Epsilon Pi.
On November 2nd, we hosted a Homecoming open house for our Alumnae who returned to campus for Homecoming Weekend. We mingled and listened to their stories ==Highlights of their time in Kappa while at Knox. On November 9th, we held the Kappa Kolor Run through which we raised over $600 for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Two of our sisters have been deeply impacted by pancreatic cancer in their loved ones so this cause was very close to home for our Chapter. Later this month, we had a Diversity event in which sisters took turns sharing about themselves, at whatever level they were comfortable with, using a cord that they rolled up as they spoke in order to give everyone the same amount of time to talk. Lastly, we installed our new officers at the last Formal Chapter meeting of the term and we are all very excited to take our positions and run with them going into 2020.2018==
Throughout 2019Over the year, we did “Learn About a Sister” during selected Chapter meetings the Epsilon Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has participated in which one sister would share many events on the UC Riverside campus, and has been tremendously rewarded for about 5 minutes about herself its involvement and her backgroundservice in the community. We value sisterhood started off the year in January when we welcomed and love learning about each and every member transitioned the new leaders of Eta Kappathe chapter during leadership day."Over This was a special time because the summer, our President and Event Chairman represented us at the Convention in Denver, CO. They brought back many ideas that other chapters have used to improve efficiency new officers were transitioning into their new positions and accountability within learned from the chapterold officers everything their position entails.
Fall term In February, the new chapter council was excited to start working on Parent’s Day which is always a hectic 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 Eta Kappa as 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 are involved came in many different organizations on campusmatching pajamas, especially bigs and littles. We The chapter even had sisters on a contest for the women’s soccer team and volleyball teamcutest pajamas, student teaching and participating the winner got a prize. Our biggest event in Rep TermFebruary would have to be Reading is Key, our philanthropy that is put together entirely by the Philanthropy Chairman. We unfortunately were unable 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 get new members during fall term show the kids how much fun reading and instead focused on strengthening our sisterhood learning can be, so we had many books for them to see and fostering an appreciation individual copy for ritualthem 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.
On November 3rd our major philanthropic event Kappa Kolor Run was held. This was our most successful philanthropic event to this date as In March, we raised over a thousand dollarsstarted the month with composites. Our philanthropy chairman worked tirelessly to put on this event All the girls met in the Highlander Union Building and incorporated a silent auctiongot their portraits taken, which was made possible set up by local businesses in Galesburgthe chapter’s Registrar. She also changed We ended the route of month with our semi-formal, set up by our Event Chair, where the color run to make it more of a community event than a Knox eventwhole chapter comes together for food and music. All proceeds were donated to the multiple sclerosis foundation. Each year Eta Kappa donates to a cause that hits close to homeOur semi--this year formal was March 3rd in Downtown Riverside, where we picked this foundation because our philanthropy chairman’s best friend was recently diagnosed celebrated a lovely evening with MSappetizers, a photobooth, and dancing.
Our chapter has also been very active within Prior to the Greek community. CurrentlyPillar’s Awards, we are represented in Order of Omegahave Pillar’s week, which is a National Greek Honor Society in which one week of competitions that organizations do on campus as teams. We were the red team, and our sisters, Megan Koluch, is panhellenic chair along with our chapter council made sure we participated in all the tasks they gave us. The Chapter Council and the Presidentput in countless hours filling in the forms and requirements for Pillars week. Eta Kappa prides itself The award accounted for many things such as how involved the chapter is on being very well represented on Panhellenic Council as campus, how much attendance does the chapter have at other organizations and philanthropy, and how wellour academics and community service is. Senior Dani Ellis is All the Vice President hard work paid off when our chapter won “Chapter of Panhellenic Council DiversityThe Year” and the “Service Award”. Six of our sisters were It was a part of the Women’s Soccer team very exciting night that went to made the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive yearchapter very proud of its accomplishments.
As In May, we got to celebrate our achievements at our Formal, which is a night of celebration for the seniors. The chapter that prides ourselves on academicscame together for food and dancing all put together by our Event Chair, where we were happy handed out awards to see our term GPA at its best in all of the seniors for the fall with an average GPA end of 3the school year was approaching fast for them.34. Seven sisters made Dean’s List We also kicked back and three of those sisters had 4our sisterhood, a kappa luau.0sOur VP Standards put together the luau where we hung out by the pool, got snacks, had cute hawaiian decorations and took pictures. Our average term GPA It was 0a great way for our sisters to bond under the sun.16 points better than We ended May with our second biggest philanthropy, A Day in the Life, which is also entirely put together by the philanthropy Chair. We had local middle schoolers come to UC Riverside, where we took the kids on tours, played fun games with them, and answered all-Greek averagetheir 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 hoped to inspire them to pursue a higher education.
Two of our As June started, the school year was coming to an end and many sisters have immediate family members who have been affected by pancreatic cancerwent home for summer vacation. One sister actually had to leave campus for over a week during this term in order to go be with her mother as she was While some sisters were doing internships, or going through treatmenton cool vacations, therefore we support the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Researchgirls that stayed in town started working on recruitment.. We were not able to celebrate Founders Day this year. We had plans to join The membership chairman along with her committee spent many days tabling meeting the Alpha Deuteron chapter at Monmouth College to celebratenew students of UC Riverside, however our schedule became too busy and we decided it was in answering all their questions about our best interest as a chapter to simply recognize Founders Day but abstain from any celebratory events until next term when . Before the start of school, the chapter came together for recruitment workshops where we plan to celebrate both Founders Day & Kappa’s 150th anniversaryall learned songs and recruitment etiquette."Due to our growing It was five days of practice that really brought the chapter, Eta Kappa is looking together in time for a welcoming the potential new place to hold chapters to accommodate our needsmembers into recruitment. At When school finally started again, it was time for Formal recruitment which was all managed by the moment, Membership Chairman. The chapter is held was so excited to welcome home the class of Beta Eta at our non-residential house at 320 Wolympic themed bid day put together by our New Member Chairman. Brooks StreetFollowing Bid Day, Galesburgthe new members got a weekly sapphire that guided them throughout their first few weeks in the chapter. One important event in October was our Founder’s Day, IL 61401 at 5:00 P.M. on Sundaysput together by the Education Chairman. On October 14th10, we were lucky enough to be the second stop for chapter came together at the Minnie Stewart Van after starting in Monmouth Canyon Crest Country Club, where we celebrate with brunch and presentations of the day beforefounding of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We got to enjoy remember the VR activities six founders and learned the symbols that make Kappa so much from going through the van and speaking with the “Vanbassadors.” In 2020, we plan special to take a field trip to Monmouth College to take a tour all of the Stewart House, see the stained glass window in the chapel, and visit the founders’ graves in the cemeteryus.
Eta Kappa’s overall nature is an energetic The 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 optimistic onethe boxes had cute themes to them. In the month of November, the chapter had big and little night, which was put together by the Marshall and was held at a roller skating rink. Bigs and littles spent the night roller skating around and taking cute pictures in their matching outfits. We are small ended the month off with our participation in numbers but excited Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s soccer tournament to raise awareness for Formal Recruitment in January 2020 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 Greek community as well to bring in raise awareness for the cause. In the last meeting, November 26, elections were held for the new members who can help us reach our goals chapter council, and surpass expectations of what a small the chapter can accomplishspends one last meeting together before the year ends.
==Highlights Ultimately, it has been a very successful year for Epsilon Pi. Not only did we win many awards, but we were very involved with other philanthropies and fundraisers. Our philanthropies main goal is to encourage kids to learn, read, and pursue a higher education. We do that by emphasizing the importance of 2020==reading and going to college, for these kids to understand that education is very important.
In 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 held Formal Recruitment with had our first formal meeting of the theme based on flowers and were very excited to gain 7 quarter where new membersofficers got formally transitioned into their positions. Throughout recruitment On January 11th, we did lots of events in order to strengthen scheduled and attended our relationships with the PNM’s going through recruitment. One event that stuck out was decorating book bags in order to give it to the children first leadership day where we go and read books invited advisors, outgoing cc, as well as incoming cc to create a smooth transition for our event for Reading is Fundamentalnew positions. The theme of Bid Night was “ Kappa Coachella” and was full of laughter and chatting and getting to know On January 26th our soon-newest pledge class had their new member retreat where they got to-be-sistersrock climb on the ropes course at UCR.February kicked off our Academic Excellence month during which members are encouraged On January 31st we were so fortunate to promote celebrate our value 150th anniversary of academics the organization by being visited by getting together the Minnie Stewart van! On February 6th we held a social with sisters to study 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 Wonderland themed and we read and share photos while doing so did crafts with the hashtags “#kkgenius” and “#kkgscholar1st grade classes.” Our new members found out who their Big sisters would be at our Big-Little Reveal on February 2nd. We On March 1st we held our Semi-Formal dance on February 21st at formal event where we danced the restaurant Charred 57 in Galesburgnight away with all of our sisters. Rather than a danceOn March 2nd, like we usually have, this was participated in a sit down dinner. It was joint philanthropy event with Sigma Pi Epsilon at a very fun opportunity to really get to know our sisters on a deeper level and local elementary school reading to have fun and get dressed upkids.In On March, 6th we diverged from held our normal tradition of doing Kappa cards and Kappa Krush and decided to do a bigger Winter Sisterhood event for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundationat Hangar Trampoline Park. We put together During the idea week of March18-22nd, we began our finals week while transitioning to do Mac and Keysa complete remote learning environment. During this event Although many of us assumed we sold Mac and cheesewould be coming back after spring break, we ended up coming to terms that we would be having both regular our Spring and vegan optionsFall Quarters completely online. We On April 1st we held this event on campus and it ended up being extremely successfulour first virtual meeting through zoom. We had a topping bar with lots of different toppings that students On April 14th we began to review and faculty could put on their mac evaluate the best and cheeseworst case for the budget with the treasurer.Due On April 26th we began to COVID-19 reevaluate and get on the same page for tackling the actions on our last official event in person was Mac and Keysaction plan. Due to COVID On April 29th we were also not able to participate in supported Denim Day virtually through our normal event supporting Reading is Fundamentalplatforms. The end of On May 27th we decided on the year until summer consisted of lots of meetings budget proposal and sisterhood events online and doing our best to keep put all of our members engaged and making the best of the on a payment plan due to pandemiccircumstances. In AugustOn June 16th we raised and donated $2, 700O to act able. On September 26th we got began recruitment workshops every day until to return to school30th. On October 8th through the 11th we held formal recruitment through zoom. Although this process did look a bit different than usual years, however, due to restrictions everything ran very smoothly as we conducted conversations and even though we were voting on campuszoom and in break out rooms. On October 11th, we had welcomed our newest pledge class, Beta Iota to meet half online the chapter as the bid day theme was Kappa and half in personCo. Our members who normally were involved in athletics got their seasons cancelled or postponedWe held our New member pinning ceremony on October 12th. Our members who were involved in other clubs On October 13th we all joined the zoom call with our chapter first to go over some history fun facts as well as student teaching had meetings and classes that looked a lot different conduct our founders day ceremony then what they were used joined the zoom call with our sisters across the nation tohelp celebrate our 150th milestone! On October 12-16th our lovely leadership consultant Cait Berosh held a virtual meeting with a majority of our chapter council members. Although this was On October 18th we held a change the Kappa spirit was still very much alivevirtual committee night.
In June, On October 22nd we held a virtual COB night where we welcome a few more members to our President, Michaela Thawley, was able to take part in the 150 year convention new member class. On October 25th we were visited by a facilitator from HQ for Kappa Kappa Gamma. This was very exciting and interesting because due a Aspiring to the impact a higher type of covid-19Sisterhood Workshop. On October 29th we held a Spooky fall quarter sisterhood where we all carved pumpkins together. On November 4th, the convention wasn’t able to meet in person, however, they we held a sisterhood where we made the most of the situation and put fun PowerPoint on an amazing event onlinerandom topics.On November 15th, 13th we had the idea to sell masks for our campus in order to raise money for Ovarian Cancer due to the light held big little reveal where a majority of the pandemicnew members got their bigs. Although On November 16th-20th we could only meet in small groups began Inspiration week where we found a way did various writing prompts to split up into groups and Tie dye masks, wash them, dry them, and organize themreflect on our values as well as had big little night on November 18th. We also figured out a way to do a contactless delivery so that we could keep clear On November 18th the rest of COVID-19the new members who were COBs got their bigs as well. This event was something we had never done beforeOn November 20th, however, ended up working really well for us. We our new members were also able to make a sisterhood event out of tie dying masks, while socially distancing ourselves. Due to COVID-19 officially initiated into our chapter was advised not participate in Informal Recruitment. As well as our homecoming this year was all virtual, so On November 16th we were not able to have any of our Alumna come to campus. Towards presented with the end of slate from the term nominating committee. On November 23rd, we were able to take part in held chapter elections and elect a whole where we elected prospective new E-Boardofficers. Since On December 4th we left campus shortly after this eventheld a virtual baking sisterhood with a Panhellenic organization Gamma Phi Beta. On December 7th, we are eagerly waiting for news held our last meeting of whether or not we will be able to return to campus again. However, our E-board is actively doing things to engage and help our members through these trying times.Throughout 2020 ETA Kappa really strived to educate ourselves on diversity and inclusion in order to maintain an inclusive environment both within our chapter the quarter and on campusafter finals we will begin winter break.
Our chapter chose Reading We support our local Elementary School Madison Elementary which is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and Ovarian Cancer research as our philanthropies this yearin an under served community. We chose this school, to support Ovarian Cancer researchonly because we’ve worked with them many years prior, but also because one of our sister's immediate family members was affected by Ovarian Cancer. This cause was very important to both her a alumna from Epsilon Pi Chapter hasworked as well as her family, so a teacher there in the past and explained how our chapter voted on making our fundraiser an event for Ovarian Cancer Research.could positively impact the students
Our chapter was one of the first chapters to implement We appointed a diversity Diversity, Equity, and inclusion officer. Usually we hold one event per term having to do with diversity Inclusion chairman and inclusion. However, due to the pandemic, rather than doing in person events we decided to take part she aided in all the social media awareness campaign. We posted ways for our followers to educate themselves on diversity and inclusion programming that was being planned as well as ways we could donate as well as sign petitions. In our chapter we have also implemented chapter trainings as well as talks about diversity sent out little reminders throughout the quarter on how to be inclusive and inclusionhow to be more conscious through the group me.
Before we left campus We appointed a sesquicentennial chairman who would kept us updated on new and fun stuff from HQ as well as would share various chapter history PowerPoints and we were one of the first schools so lucky to have been visited by the Kappa Minnie Steward Van come to campus celebrate such an amazing milestone! During Founders Day we joined on zoom together as a chapter and present to did our chapter. Our whole chapter turned in for Founders Day ceremony and then join the celebration video online. We also talked about zoom call with all of our favorite Kappa memories the chapter after the celebration. On our instagram we were able sisters nationwide to post the whole day and do quizzes about kappa. We also had members share their favorite memories and pin dress online. Although we were not this special moment in person we did our best to celebrate this amazing accomplishment onlinehistory.
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{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Eta KappaEpsilon Pi|GreekSymbol= HKEΠ|Image= [[File:Eta_KappaEpsilon_Pi.jpgjpeg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|20071976|0302|0407}}|College= [httphttps://www.knoxucr.edu/ Knox CollegeUniversity of California, Riverside]|Location= GalesburgRiverside, ILCA|Homepage= [httphttps://chaptersucr.kappakappagammakappa.org/etakappa/ Eta Kappa Epsilon Pi Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Eta_Kappa Epsilon_Pi Media related to Eta Kappa Epsilon Pi Chapter]}}
'''University of California at Riverside, 1954'''
'''Epsilon Pi founded February 7, 1976'''
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'''Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:''' (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
'''Convention AwardsFraternity Council Officers:'''<br>2008 New Member Program Honorable Mention <br>2014 Excellence in Chapter ManagementKyle Donnelly, Fraternity Treasurer, 2022-2024
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
'''Additional Outstanding Epsilon Pi Alumnae:'''
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).
After just a few years of being established Epsilon Pi was honored to participate in founding of new chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma accepted at the invitation University of California, Irvine and University of California, San Diego. '''Philanthropy:''' Epsilon Pi held many different Philanthropy events such as making rabbit-like Easter baskets to install its 132nd active give to 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 received the Dean’s Scholarship Trophy for the highest percentage of members on the Dean’s List. The chapter at Knox College maintained a high level of academic excellence throughout the decade, due in Galesburgpart to weekly mandatory study hours for actives and pledges. To prepare for rush, Illinoisthe chapter started early the prior school year with a 10 day work week. Eta Kappa Rush quota gradually decreased on the UCR campus in the early 90’s. Quota was installed on March 432 in 1991, 24 in 1993, to 16 in 1994, and 13 in 1995. However, 2007 quota was back up in the 20’s by President2000. 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, Denise Ruganithe chapter accepted the Challenge to Excellence issued to all chapters by the Fraternity. Work on the Challenge to Excellence continued during the rest of the 1990’s. It strengthened the chapter and brought the members closer together. In 1991, while nine of the 13 founders of Epsilon Chapter (Illinois Wesleyan) acted as 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 KappaKrush 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 chapter felt this would be a good way to improve chapter bonds, and would show the university that they were serious about having a house in the future. '''Philanthropy:''s installing ' Epsilon Pi won the Philanthropy Award at the 1991 Kappa Province Meeting. The chapter participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon and helped clean up downtown Riverside. They also continued their tradition of visiting the Sunshine House and key sisterstheir association with the Riverside section of the California School of Deaf. In the mid-1990’s, Epsilon Pi began a new philanthropy called Night Run.
==Highlights of 2011==
2011 began was a busy and great year for Epsilon Pi Chapter. Winter quarter started out with the nomination process, leading to the election of a strong, new Chapter Council. That quarter we participated in two philanthropic events at Madison Elementary School, Where the Wild Things Read and Dr. Seuss Day. Both events involved reading to the students and encouraging literacy. Greek Unity Week also took place during the winter. Our 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. As our winter quarter event, the chapter had a successful “Finally Famous” themed semi-formal recruitment, 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. On January 23rdAlso, our sister Brittany Altamirano competed in and won the 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 during spring was our 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 April, a few members of our chapter went to Kappa Province in Tucson, AZ, where we were awarded the Rose McGill Magazine Award. As fall quarter began, the members of Epsilon Pi were eager for recruitment, to gain more assets to our chapter. After going through formal recruitment, the chapter welcomed 11 new members31 New Members on Bid Day. The New Members were taken to a taco dinner afterwards to celebrate and get to know the chapter. In addition This year, the chapter invited local alumnae and the women of the Zeta Eta Chapter at UC Irvine to new 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 welcomed went to go see the film 50/50, as well as a new advisor after Renee TadieThanksgiving potluck themed meeting to end the quarter. '''Campus:''' This year, the Panhellenic Board on campus tried to really encourage unity among the Greek community, 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 outgoing advisorsupport of panhellenic. The campus hosted many annual events like Spring Splash, Bear Facts Orientation, retired and Block Party, all of which Epsilon Pi participated in 2010. Pat Kane '''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 to head in the 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 Standards Advisor chapter was attendance. With such a large chapter size, we expected high numbers of 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 2010the fall. In addition, then our House Board Treasurer as well VP Standards took attendance into account as she looked over members who needed standards appointments. She stressed the importance of going to mandatory events in these meetings and the consequences of not doing so. The attendance problem was not completely erased, but the chapter hopes to see improvements, continuously reminding members of the attendance policy in our Event/Risk Advisor in 2011chapter’s bylaws and standing rules.
==Highlights of 2012==
==Highlights of 2013==
==Highlights of 2014==
This past year has been one of glee, many accomplishments, and ongoing improvement for Epsilon Pi Chapter. We began commenced the year after a refreshing winter term like every winter term by welcoming NMs into break with the privilege of participating in a leadership conference, Lead Today. Lead Today took place on January 22 on our campus with our sisterhood after 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 participated in various hands on activities, games and discussions concerning the vitality of management, organization, and the overall aspect of a long chapter working and grueling yet rewarding formal recruitmentdeveloping in unison. Epsilon Pi Chapter was so thankful and gained an immense appreciation and understanding for leadership and how to use it, not only in Kappa, but in 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 scholarship 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 appropriately themedtime for Semi-Formal. Semi was held at Aroma Grill in Upland, “Winter WonderlandCA. We all got dolled up in cute cocktail dresses and invited dates to escort us.” Diverging from traditionKappas danced the night away on the dance floor, Bid Day/Night was on took a Sunday instead plethora of a Saturday due to photos in the Polar Vortex. We revamped Bid Day/Night photo booth and in front of the NM process by establishing backdrop with a buddy system to welcome NMsprofessional photographer, and ate a delicious variety of food. In To end the month of February 2014, Eta Kappa hosted its annual semiour sisters headed to K1 Speed Zone for a fun packed sisterhood. Our sisters headed to the race tracks and raced in full geared helmets and mask and hopped in go-formal (at Cherry Street) and their annual Reading is Key event (theme: “Reading is Wild")carts for some competitive fun.
Reading Is Key, our winter philanthropy, quickly approached after. Our chapter also championed theme this year was a circus theme. All of our sisters received a new major philanthropic event called red shirt with an owl in the Kappa Kolor Run! OurPhilanthropy chairman worked tirelessly to create middle portrayed as a fun event that was accessible to our entire campusringmaster and circus animals surrounding it. Wewere able to raise $470 dollars for OLE Nepaldecorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with circus posters, popcorn machines, and face painting. Sisters enjoyed painting everyone’s face whether it was a simple design, an organization working or creative circus animals. The book we chose to create access read was Clifford Goes to education inNepal following the major earthquake there earlier this yearCircus, and each kid received one of their very own to take home. We were also selected to This was very exciting for them since most of these kids are from under privileged households and the Rose McGillHoliday program for books we give them are usually the first time! books they own. We raised money also donated many books to buy Christmas gifts for a Kappa their library in need hopes of exposing them to learn about how important andwrapped the gifts together as our Brunch Buddies event, a new fun reading can be. This philanthropic event was also extra special because our chapter implemented this leadership consultant from the previous year thatconsists of our members having brunch joined to help and support us. Our day was filled with reading, crafting, and delicious snacks, and performing Kappa’s had such a philanthropic servicefun time interacting with these wonderful kids.
Chapter Philanthropy:
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
The 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, Reading is Key, Words With Friends, and A Day in the Life.
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.
In early April2017 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, Eta Kappa held a leadership weekend hosted by Panhellenic, we were rewarded with the help award of Best Chapter Management honoring our district specialistChapter Councils hard work in managing our chapters affairs. The weekend consisted of old and new CC sharing ideas Starting slow in January with 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 how to improve by our leadership within our ChapterVice President of Academic Excellence with the help of her committee. It was made a priority held at this leadership weekend to communicate as often as possible the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Riverside. Every girl was provided with dinner along with each other 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 respective specialistschapter.
April was a very busy month with many fundraisers and awards. We wrapped up our fall term by hosting an LC 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 attending a sexual assault workshopheld many practices in order to make sure their routine was perfect. Elections Not only did we participate in Anchor Splash, but we also were again 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 new Exec Boardnight, 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 Eta Kappa is moving towards ‘Highest GPA’ or ‘Most Improved GPA’. It was a great way to celebrate the academic achievements of the chapter and recognize all the new pilot structurehard work we put into for school. Transitions will not happen until mid FebruaryWe ended the successful month off with our participation in Powderpuff which is a greek soccer tournament held by Phi Kappa Psi.
==Highlights of 2020s==