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Gamma Theta

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{{Infobox Fraternity

|Name= Gamma PhiTheta|GreekSymbol= ΓΦΓΘ|Image= [[File:Gamma_PhiGamma_Theta.jpg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19291921|0509|1710}}|College= [https://www.smudrake.edu/ Southern Methodist Drake University]|Location= DallasDes Moines, TXIA|Homepage= [https://smudrake.kappa.org/ Gamma Phi Theta Homepage]|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Phi Gamma_Theta Media related to Gamma Phi Theta Chapter]}}----

'''Southern Methodist Drake University established in 1911, Dallas1881 in Des Moines, TexasIowa'''

'''Founded May 17April 30, 19291921'''

'''32,369 309 initiates (as of June 2018)'''

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------------- '''Charter Members:''' Bernice Bramhall, Agnes Buchanan, Isobel Helen Carothers, Isabel Childs, Anna Laura Clark, Margaret O. Clark, Anna Laura Copeland, Marian E. Kerr Devine, Doris Dickinson, Agnes Flach, Agnes Henderson, Dorothy Rosemary Kirk, Eleanor MacRae, Mary Martin, Eleanor Morning, Elizabeth Morning, Maxine Van Meter, Gretchn Winterrowd.   '''Fraternity Council Members: '''

Janet AndrewsFlorence Tomlinson Myers (Wallace), Allie AngellGrand President (1930-1932), Nancy Ann BakerNational Registrar (1928-1930; Marjorie Kyes Amend, Julia Bernice BallardDirector of Membership (1946-1948); Mary Pat Rooney, Will Anne BallardVice President (2018-2020), Jane Etheridge, Martha Virginia Harrell, Virginia Haynie, Mildred Rancamp Iford, Joel Estes Lichte, Arlane Parker, Julia DeRoosette Presnall, Lo Rene Taliaferro, Louise Alice Williams, Alice Dolling Wrather. Academic Excellence Director (2015-2018)

'''Fraternity Council OfficersLoyalty Award Recipients:'''

'''Fraternity Loyalty Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''

Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 1966, Lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the Women’s Army Corps, fiscal officer; Karen Kolbe Goodenow, 1998, Longtime leader within the National Association of the State Boards of Education; June Braun Bent, 2010, World War II WASP pilot, awarded Congressional Gold Medal;

'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''

Ginnie Johansen Johnson, 1986; Entrepreneur; artistJeanne Linder Phillips, 2006; Statesman/political ambassadorElizabeth Hemphill Wilson, 1994; artist, needlepoint expert '''Additional Outstanding Gamma Theta Alumnae'''

Margaret Miller (Brucker), Graduate Counselor 1961-1963; Penne Longhibler (Prigge) Graduate Counselor 1966-1967; Michele Starzyk, Chapter Consultant 1999-2000; Katy Stovall, Province Director of Chapters (2011-2014), Regional Director of Chapters (2014-2016), District Director (2016-2018)Technology Chairman (2018-)

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==The Early Years==

'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Phi Alumnae:'''The foundations of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, were laid by men of broad vision and liberal culture. When General Francis Marion Drake was appealed to for an initial gift of $20,000, he replied that he could and would do it and to go ahead with the building. A modest frame building was erected, followed immediately by Old Main, which stood at the center of the group of first buildings.

The day Gamma Theta Chapter was installed at Drake University by Sarah B. Harris (Rowe), Northwestern, Grand President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, was one of the most momentous days in the annals of Fraternity history. The date was April 30, 1921. On that day the chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma and Chi Omega were established on the Drake campus.

Epsilon Tau Sigma, the petitioning local sorority which had been organized at Drake in February, 1903, was the first of the petitioning groups at the school to receive an answer to its petition. Word had been received on March 14, 1921, that Kappa Kappa Gamma had granted it a charter. Inasmuch as charters were soon granted to the other three local sororities, the national councils of the four fraternities conferred and decided to enter the university on the same day, thereby giving each group an equal start on the campus. This decision doubtless accomplished much in promoting congeniality and a true Panhellenic spirit.

==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History When one looks through the archives and reads through the reports of Kappa Kappa each year’s activities and the honors won by the chapter and by individual members, it is difficult to decide whether Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==Thetas are athletes, beauties, activity girls, or bookworms.

In its first year, Gamma Phi Chapter began October 15, 1928, on the campus of Southern Methodist University Theta won first place in Dallasscholarship, Texas, when a group of three colonizers and 24 pledges became since then the scholarship trophy has often been at the local group, Gamma Kappa. The Dallas Alumnae Association was firmly behind the colony, and a number of its members assumed advisory board responsibilitieshouse.

Kappa Grand President Georgia Hayden Lloyd-JonesThe Kappas have had, Eta-Wisconsinperhaps, visited in Januarymore than their share of the homecoming queens, 1929princesses, queen’s attendants, D Club sweethearts and gave her approval. On April 15, word came from Clara O. Pierce, Beta Nu- Ohio State, "Charter granted, SMU. CongratulationsQuax beauties."

Gamma Phi was installed May 17When outstanding representative Drake women are elected, 1929Kappas again are winners. In 1924, by Clara Pierceout of the three girls chosen as Representative Drakes, Beta Nu-Ohio Statetwo were Kappas. In 1943, assisted by Beta Xia member was elected Miss Drake and then caused a great sensation on campus when she was chosen Drake Relays Queen—the first time a Drake woman had been given the honor. Gamma Theta contributed a winner to the Miss Iowa contest in 1953. Fraternity sweethearts, University of Texastoo, were common in the chapter.The athletic awards captured by the chapter read like something from the sports pages. They are good sports and the Dallas alumnaegood at sports also.

Southern Methodist University, which was opened Each year many Gamma Thetas were elected to students the honorary organizations on the campus in Septemberrecognition of their abilities. Long lists of Kappas’ names were on the membership rolls of Sieve and Shears, 1915Margaret Fuller Club, had been established by charter in AprilPhi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, 1911as well as music, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Churchdrama, Southeducation and other such organizations.

At Gamma Theta leadership was shown through the time of work done on the installation of the Kappa chapter there were 1,371 men students, 1,121 women studentscampus publications. The Quax was at times been edited by Kappas, and 152 faculty members. Thirteen fraternities had already been installedother Gamma Thetas served as business managers. The 11 buildings weekly edition of 1929 the Times-Delphic had become 80 by 1973Kappas on the staff nearly every year. Kappawise, and there were 8Gamma Theta’s chapter news publication won the award for the best mimeographed paper at the KKG General Convention in 1958,000 students and 500 facultywhen Julia Brower (Lyon) was editor.

All years have not been a round of social activities mixed in with the academic endeavors. The first 33 war years found the Kappas at Drake doing their share of Gamma Phi war work and going without. To read their accounts, they went without almost everything—including men. Social activities were notable for student activities, honorarieslimited to small house dances and inter-sorority exchanges. Kappas won some degree of fame, "overwhelmingly successful partieshowever," and sweethearts and queensthrough serenades to Army Air-Corps students.

Ruth Pollock (McCloud) was Southern Methodist University Sweetheart at During the 1933 Texas Roundup1942–43 school year, and the chapter voted to donate all but their three most recently won athletic trophies in basketball, baseball, and swimming and diving. In 1937 Florence Allen (Roseborough) collaborated on trophy cups to the script for the Southern Methodist University Pontiac Varsity Show coast-to-coast broadcastmetal salvage drive. Anna Ruth Baker (McCall) That was named one of the five "most exotic girls on campus" in an all-school election in 1939, and the chapter float in the Homecoming Parade was named "most beautiful." Peggy Wallace (Reinke) received an "M" Award during the 1940-41 school year for being that Gamma Theta had the co-founder honor of COGShaving Miss Drake, (College Organization for General Service), a group that claimed more significance the Relays Queen and interest than any other on campus. The chapter sponsored informal parties for cadets at Hensley Field in Dallas, in keeping with wartime activitiesthe Editor of the Quax.

During A French student from Algeria entered Drake as a Kappa exchange student in 1939. Europe’s war and the decade of the 1940s, every outstanding organization at Southern Methodist seemed Atlantic’s submarine peril prevented an active from being Drake’s exchange student to have been headed by Kappas: Kirkos; COGS; YWCA; Zeta Phi Eta; the Rotunda (yearbook); and officers University of the Freshman, Sophomore, JuniorToulouse, and Senior Classes. Jo Neal (Cleaver), chapter president and Mortar Board member, was chosen a Rotunda beauty by Cecil B. DeMille. Eleanor Maclay was one of the seven original members of the Southern Methodist chapter of Phi Beta KappaFrance.

Gamma Phi was second highest on the campus in scholarship in 1950-51, but the most important event was the groundbreaking for a chapter house. Sororities had at last been given permission to erect houses, and all eleven built simultaneously in the university's Georgian-style architectureTheta claimed “Mrs. In DecemberAmerica of 1960, the chapter was spotlighted in The Key” Margaret King Priebe of Des Moines.

The year 1951-52 was the first in the new house, and the chapter achieved first in scholarship. The following year Gamma Phi was the installing chapter of Delta Psi, Texas Tech University, at Lubbock, and in 1954-55 members fostered the formation of Epsilon Alpha at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Members of Kappa and Sigma Alpha Epsilon were featured in a color picture on the fraternity-sorority title page of the yearbook. In 1958, the chapter won the Charlotte Barrell Ware Standard Cup at convention, and again was first in scholarship.

-----------The years between 1962 and 1973 saw a re-examination previous information was excerpted from The History of Greek lifeKappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and the future of the system looked rather grim1870-1976. HoweverThe information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, Gamma Phi chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members continue to achieve high scholarshipand alumnae, show interest in campus life and the communityKappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and concern for each otherThe Key. The Each chapter won the Standards Award again in 1970is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.

Gamma Phi has enjoyed a very friendly relationship with Dallas alumnae, who have always generously supported the active chapter with time and money.

Well-known Gamma Phi alumnae include: charter member Joel Estes Lichte Tate, wife of the chancellor of Southern Methodist University; Louise Little Barbeck, Kappa Fraternity president 1968-72; Gail Griffin Thomas, dean of the University of Dallas; and Mary Ellen Mitchell Jericho, voted the outstanding Kappa in the area at the Fraternity's Centennial year Founders Day banquet in Dallas.-------- 

==Highlights of the 1970s==

If you wore a polo shirt with a floppy bow tie at From chapter’s History Report: During the neck in 1970’s Gamma Theta emerged on campus as one of the late 70s, then you know all about beltiesleading sororities. Did you know, though, that The had the word belties was first coined by a Kappa from SMU? When not setting the tone most improved G.P.A.( exceeding 3.0) as well as being honored for fashion, Kappas most involved chapter with Honorable Mention at Province in 1976. Gamma Phi listened to Billie Joel, Hall Theta’s sisterly bonds grew as it met quota for each fall rush and Oats, the Grateful Dead, and Bonnie Raittcreated bonds of sisterhood that would never be forgotten. They cheered on Through these years the football team, fuelling Mustang Mania, which was just emerging at ladies of the time, while SMU Gamma Theta chapter also excelled participated in swimming and tennisthe Bulldog Olympics making the Kappa name on campus great.  '''Housing''':

Positivity was a chapter focus during this time. Chapter members significantly improved their grades and worked on developing positive attitudes. Officers stressed open communication, even picking rooms that gave the President and Vice Presidents the most visibility for During the rest 1970’s chapters of the members. Chapter meetings other Greek organizations were streamlinedclosing on campus, but Kappa thrived and gained steam through successful Recruitment and the chapter developed a stronger Panhellenic spirit. And of course, the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary an increased emphasis on SMU campusacademics.

Kappas were also prominent leaders on campus. One member started a fundraising campaign to restore a historical SMU fountain that now features in all the school’s brochures, and among the Kappas were Homecoming Queen first runner-up, cheerleaders, Miss New Mexico, Miss Dallas, three yearbook beauties and a National Alumni Scholarship Winner.

==Highlights of the 1980s=='''Philanthropy:'''

In many ways1971, the 1980s were the best of times and the worst of times for SMU. The university’s football team marked its most successful era from 1980 to 1985Revitalization Corps in Des Moines, posting a 55Iowa had 11-14-1 record and winning three SWC titles. Kappas—preppy 12 Gamma Thetas volunteer to work with the core in brown Topsidersunderprivileged of Des Moines by tutoring, French braids or big hair and the obligatory strand of pearls—were among the sellout crowds cheering on the team at Texas Stadiumserving free meals, which was the counseling former home of the Dallas Cowboys. Football, however, was cancelled for two seasons in 1986 and 1987 for NCAA violations, mental patients and Kappas turned to intramural leagues for the sports fixsupervising youth recreation.

In 1987, the chapter won intramural soccer and tennis championships, while powder puff football games with other sororities raised money for various philanthropic causes. Gamma Phi members also hosted canned food drives, supported a halfway house for non-violent juvenile offenders in Dallas, helped children improve their reading skills in an inner city housing project, and raised money for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas.

Other notable events included chapter dinners at Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dallas, celebrating the 115th birthday of Kappa with Director of Chapters and future Fraternity President J. J. Wales, and hosting an inter-greek reception for the new university president, Dr. A. Kenneth Pye, in 1987. It was also during this time that the chapter began to follow the Celebration of Lights ceremony on campus with hot chocolate, cookies, a roaring fire and Nat King Cole at the chapter house. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''

The chapter continued to focus on academic excellence, holding a how to study seminar, and recognizing excellent grades with a weekly smart cookie award. Chapter meetings emphasized heritage and ritual, and members were encouraged to hang out at the house through monthly cookouts and holiday celebrations like Secret Santa gift exchanges.

Kappas regularly featured the Dallas Morning News for participating in the Idlewild Ball, Tyler Rose Festival and other prominent Texan debutant balls. And the Kappa Pickers, the chapter’s musical performance group, began to gain local prominence.

==Highlights of the 1990s==

==Highlights of the 1980s:== '''Philanthropy:'''  Gamma Phi’s Kappa Pickers reached national prominence when they sang on CBS This Morning Theta participated in Washington in 1991. They continued to perform throughout the 1990s, delighting audiences at parents’ weekend, Founders Day and many other Kappa hosted philanthropic activities that benefited Drake and campus the Des Moines community. Some events. The that the chapter was very dedicated to philanthropy held were dance-marathons and a Halloween party for underprivileged first graders in these yearsa local school. At least 10 A favorite event to 20 members went to Traymore Nursing Home once a month to visit with residents, and be involved in later years, was the chapter would visit with patients at Medical City Hospital’s transitional care unit. Gamma Phi also helped out Iowa Lung Walk-a shelter -thon for runaway childrenthe American Lung Association, tutored students at but the most well know event was the Drake Relays. This is an elementary schoolannual, sponsored blood drives, raised money for muscular dystrophy nationally recognized track-and multiple sclerosis-field event. Other highlights included hosting a blood platelet drive During the week leading to benefit Carter Blood Care for a Kappa Alpha Fraternity member who was diagnosed with cancer, sponsoring a Canadian Kappa alum through the Rose McGill Fund, event there are activities and launching competitions between many campus organizations. Gamma Theta members created floats to proudly show off Kappa to the very popular Carve for the Cure on Halloween.Drake community!  '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''  

SMU Kappas partnered with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity on the annual Easter Egg hunt for children of university faculty and stuff, stuffing over 1,100 plastic eggs in 1995. Regular events included the Kappa Kountry Formal, Founders Day at the Dallas Country Club, and parents’ weekend with Sunday brunch. Special highlights included the chapter retreat at Camp John Mark and a visit to a ropes course to promote chapter unity.

Kappa exemplified its traditional ==Highlights of leadership on SMU campus in the 1990s. Gamma Phi hosted the first date rape seminar at SMU in 1991, and followed up with seminars on eating disorders and campus violence. In 1990, a Kappa chaired SMU’s Celebration of Lights, and in 1991 Kappas chaired Homecoming and won Homecoming Queen, which Kappas featuring in the Homecoming throughout the decade. Many chapter members attended Convention in 1990 when it was hosted in Dallas. The chapter received several honorable mentions for awards, and would go on to win the Fraternity’s Finance Award in 1996. ==

==Highlights Panhellenic constantly changed the schedule for rush (now called Recruitment) during the 1990’s. By the the end of the decade it was condensed into a three day event. Like Panhellenic, the chapter also had a tradition of frequently changing the themes from year-to-year for their various rush parties. This helped keep the 2000s==members excited for membership recruitment.

The women of Gamma Phi chapter in the 2000s were intelligent and motivated to do their best in every aspect of their lives. Very involved on campus, the chapter enthusiastically supports it members, whether they are running for Homecoming Queen, launching a new philanthropy or playing on a sports team. '''Housing:'''

The In 1991, the Gamma Theta house was renovated which generated a lot of excitement among the actives. There 128 women in the chapter was supported by very active alumnaeafter pledging 34 new members. They helped count votes for rush During the nineties, plan members of Gamma Theta were the initiation brunch, decorate beneficiary of a robust House Board and were the house for recipients of constant updating and decorating. In the holidayssummer of 1998, sell Kappa bracelets, and host alumnae events at the House Board restored the house. Their help and guidance to what it originally looked like when the chapter was appreciated by chapter members, and inspired SMU’s Kappas to grow and continue their involvement founded in Kappa1921.

One of the alumnae’s major projects was building a new chapter house, which the chapter moved into in 2006. This amazing new house, has been a home away from home for many members.

Major events included Theta Province meeting in Dallas in 2005, when the chapter hosted a southern barbeque for the all the actives and alumnae that were in town. There was the annual Celebration of Lights, and another Homecoming Queen from Kappa in 2009.'''Philanthropy:'''

Philanthropy continued to be a major driver Gamma Theta excelled in their philanthropic spirit and by the end of events, with the chapter 1998 school year they had fulfilled their goal of raising funds for Camp John Mark, Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Parkland Hopsital, Relay for Life, the Dallas humane shelter$10, and Dollars 000 for DarfurProject 2000. In 2006, the chapter published the Kappa Kookbook, which feature recipes from the SMU chapter, and raised money for They enjoyed hosting their annual Chili Kook-off to benefit the recipients of Rose McGill Fundand also participated in several other community and Panhellenic philanthropic events.

==Highlights of 2010==

2010 was a fun and exciting year for the Gamma Phi chapter! We started the year off with a great recruitment week. During philanthropy day of recruitment, we shared a video about our chapter’s involvement in the Ugandan American Partnership Organization, a non-profit organization that aides struggling women and children in Uganda. The UAPO was founded by one of our own Kappa sisters and is very dear to each of our hearts. We strung necklaces with beads handmade by Ugandan widows, and new members sold the necklaces in the spring in order to send profits back to the widows. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''

Dad’s Weekend was in the spring, and father-daughter pairs competed in the Kappa Klassic golf tournament. We got to spend quality time with our dads, and we were able to raise over $14,000 to help finish the UAPO’s construction of a new Vocational Center in a Ugandan village and provide medical supplies, school supplies and clean water to orphanages built by the UAPO. Over the summer, twelve of our sisters shared a life-changing experience on their visit to Uganda.

Other highlights of the year included Kickin’ It With Kappa and Kappacino Kafe, philanthropic events we hosted in the fall. Kappas danced the night away at our Victory, Monmouth, and Kite&Key formals, and we had fun dressing up for our “Jarty” and Woodstock themed date dashes! Trendy Kappas could be spotted about Dallas in over-the-knee boots, furry vests, sequin embellished dresses, stacks of bracelets and sky-high pumps!

Gamma Phi is a large and diverse chapter. Each individual brings new and exciting ideas to the table, but we also work well together as a team to accomplish goals during the year. Girls in our chapter care about their schoolwork, care about the community, are involved in other organizations at SMU, hold exciting jobs or internships, and above all, are Kappa krazy! We have girls who study corporate communications and public affairs, accounting, English, art history, and even chemistry! Many ==Highlights of our sisters are members of the Union, Student Foundation, Student Senate, Honor Council, and the University Honors Program.2000-2010==

==Highlights At Province meeting Gamma Theta received the following awards: Most Improved Chapter, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Programming, and Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Programming. The chapter was also recognized during Greek Week with the Dean of 2011==Students Award. In 2007, the chapter welcomed an incredibly large pledge class. Gamma Theta members were active in other campus organizations such as; Student Senate, American Marketing Association, Drake Magazine, and fraternities of business and pharmacy. Taking it one step further, many of the members also held leadership positions in other campus organizations.

Our chapter is large When Gamma Theta incurred standards and diversefinancial reporting hurdles, with girls from all over the United States and abroad. The 2011 pledge class even has girls from Bali, London, members quickly took action and Panama. This mix of diverse individuals enhances our developed plans which increased chapter, as each member brings unique morale and exciting ideas to the table. We all work well together in order to accomplish goals throughout the yearaccountability.

Many of our sisters in the Gamma Phi chapter are active and involved a number of other activities and organizations, both on and off campus. Our sisters participate in on-campus organizations such as the Union, Student Foundation, Student Senate, Honor Council, and the University Honors Program. Off campus, many of our sisters hold interesting and impressive internships and jobs, and care about and engage in different community service opportunities. Our sisters academic interests are varied, as we have girls who study Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Accounting, History, and even Biology!

We had an exciting 2011. A fun and successful recruitment week started the year off right. During philanthropy day of recruitment, we continued the tradition of showing a video about the Ugandan American Partnership Organization (UAPO), which was founded by one of our Kappa sisters from the Gamma Phi chapter. We strung necklaces using the beads that Ugandan widows hand made, which the new members sold the following spring. The profits from the necklace sales were sent back to the widows to help them build a life of their own. The proceeds from our "Kappacino Kafe" philanthropy event also benefitted the UAPO.'''Philanthropy:'''

This year we made an exciting change to one In the spring and fall of our other major 2005 Gamma Theta won Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma's philanthropy events taking place and placed second in both Sigma Chi Derby Days and the fall, "KickinSig Ep' It With s philanthropy. KappaKasino," an event benefitting Reading Is Fundamental: we hosted a frozen yogurt party outside on had the boulevard on a beautiful afternoon best turn-out in early Septemberits history during 2007 and raised approximately $3, 700 that went directly to keep up with the recent trendiness and rising popularity of frozen yogurt shops in Dallas and nation-wideHeart Connection.

Other highlights of the year included our parties and social events. Kappas had a great time dancing the night away at our Victory, Monmouth, and Kite & Key formals. We also had a blast dressing up for our 90s and Hunt or Be Hunted themed date dashes. Gamma Phi Kappas were as chic and trendy as ever this year, often spotted about Dallas wearing stylish over the knee boots, fur vests, sequin embellished dresses, and wrap bracelets.

We are proud of our chapter for many reasons this year. We were the recipients of the Risk Management Award at the Province meeting hosted in Fort Worth. In addition, we welcomed the chapter councils from Epsilon Alpha, Epsilon Upsilon, and Zeta Sigma, as we hosted the LEAD Seminar in the fall. We are also very proud and extremely excited this year because we won Homecoming! Our chapter united to support 2011 Homecoming activities, and it was a wonderful and rewarding feeling for the whole house when Grace Roberts won Homecoming Queen during halftime of the football game.'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''

This year was extremely exciting at SMU, as construction on the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which broke ground in fall2010, continued and made considerable progress. Although construction is still a work in progress, the Presidential Center already seems a stunning structure. The Presidential Center will open in 2013. Also, this spring we celebrated the centennial of SMU’s founding in 1911, complete with fireworks and cake on SMU’s boulevard. This year was an extremely fun time to be an SMU student.6/30/08 Standards Honorable Mention6/30/06 New Member Program Honorable Mention6/30/06 Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Honorable Mention6/30/06 Standards Honorable Mention6/30/00 Panhellenic Honorable Mention

==Highlights of 2011-2019==

From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:

==Highlights of 2012==

2012 was a great year of growth for The the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Phi Chapter. We kicked off the year by continuing Not only did our chapter grow as a philanthropy tradition that was started by SMU Kappa memberswhole, but individually as well. During recruitment week on philanthropy day, we played This personal growth as a video about UAPO, an organization that was founded by one of chapter lead us to win the "Overall Most Improved Chapter" at the National Convention. We also received the Greek Gala award "Outstanding Chapter President" for our Kappa sistersprevious president Jessica Reisig. The video featured Kappa members volunteering and making a difference We tremendously increased our participation in Ugandagreek life. We hosted “Kappacino Kafe” as well as “Kickin’ it with Kappadid the best we could to become more involved in other Fraternities' philanthropies. This increase in participation resulted in us taking first place in Delta Gamma's "anchor splash.” Both " We were successful events. Kappa noted for having many women also participated in SMU’s homecoming festivitiesour chapter participate in Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy. The week was a success because We ended up placing second for their "queen of our hard work combined with our wonderful homecoming candidate, Anne McCaslin Parkerhearts" softball tournament. During SMU’s Celebration of Lights, Kappa members participated with SMU Student Foundation We also took second place in Alpha Phi's "Fast Phi't" and adopted elementary students for the evening. This made the event very special for Kappa’s as well as the elementary studentsFIJI's "FIJI Island."

Our switch of philanthropy from Kappa Kasino to Kappa Klassic was a huge success. We had a great turn out and raised over $4,000 for our local philanthropy and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This fall we had a very memorable sisterhood event. All the women in our chapter were invited to unite in the kitchen where we watched the inspiring documentary "Finding Kind." This sisterhood was such a bonding experience for us and encouraged everyone to look deep within themselves. This sisterhood was one that made a lasting impression on the women. I foresee it being talked about years from now.

'''Campus:'''We also started a new tradition of creating scrapbook pages for every big sister and little sister. We are very excited to be able to look back at these pages and remember all the fond moments. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had 4 members who served as a PMAC on campus and 2 members who served as student ambassadors on campus. We also have a member who is the president of the finance club and a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of Man Up Magazine.

SMU is located in the center In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of Dallasservice to our local community. It’s a great location because All of our chapter members took part in the easy routes to downtownBelize Dance Marathon this year, which raised money for building primary schools in Belize. The leader of this foundation, uptownJames Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and other areas in Dallaswas especially fond of the women of Kappa. The campus is beautiful Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is surrounded by green grass and tall treeshard competition. SMU is a friendly campus During the spring we participated heavenly in the Drake Relays with small classes. The professors street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make the learning experience greata painted square devoted to Kappa. They are available and willing Overall 2012 was a year to meet with students individuallyremember for Gamma Theta. SMU offers an atmosphere that’s exciting It will be a year to look back on and thriving. One feel proud of all the 2012 highlights on campus is the construction of the George Wimprovement we made. Bush Presidential Library We are looking forward to what 2013 will bring.

'''ChapterCampus:'''Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

We have a very diverse chapter consisting Chapter:A well-rounded group of ladies from different parts of the world and from all over the U.S. The diversity allows Kappa’s to share different ideas and learn from each other. Our members are involved individuals that come together as young women who excel in many different organizations areas (academically, athletically, socially), and groups at SMU hold leadership positions both on campus and outside of SMUwithin the chapter.

'''Chapter ChallengesConvention Awards:'''2012- Most Improved Chapter

Our greatest challenge this year was accountability. We do not fine members for not attending events. Therefore, it is hard to hold members accountable for attending events. To address this issue, we looked to motivation and a type of “punishment.” The punishment involves making some events mandatory and if members do not attend, they are sent to standards. Usually the punishment would entail not being allowed to attend the upcoming formal. The motivation and encouragement paid off and was a successful strategy.

==Highlights of 2013==

Not only was 2013 was a great year full of memories, accomplishments, and sisterhood growth for The the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Phi Chapter, but individually as well. We kicked off Since winning the year in January with a successful Recruitment Week. The four days award of Open Housethe “Overall Most Improved Chapter” at the National Convention, Philanthropyand also receiving the Greek Gala award “Outstanding Chapter President, Skit” I feel that we have heldourselves to a very high and positive standard. Since then, Preference Morning we tremendously increased our participation in greek life and Bid Night were hard work but will always be remembered with Drake University as a bonding experience for whole. This year, our chapterhad very high participation with all chapters philanthropies. Philanthropy day We did the best we could to win in each by helping everyone raise money, and also by having fun! This competitive fun and participation resulted in us taking first place in Alpha Phi’s “Fast Phi’t” and Phi Gamma Delta’s “Fiji Island.” This year we have taken high placement in all Sororities and Fraternities philanthropies and our participation was extremely special because our philanthropynearly doubled since last year. This year with Kappa Klassic, not only did we have wonderful weather, but we raised over $5, The Akola Project000 for the Children’s Cancer Connection, is a non-profit organization that Rose McGill fund and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This amount raised was absolutely amazing and was founded by one of our very own SMU Kappasthe best we have ever done. We played a video that featured Not only was Kappa members volunteering and making Klassic the only thing we did this year to raise money for a difference foundation, but we were involved in Ugandathe Belize Dance Marathon. Bid Night This was also a highlight to the start of the year 2013very memorable and touching sisterhood event experience. We welcomed 54 excited new membershad one hundred percent participation and we raised nearly $2,000. They had a retreat that night at The money went to the Kappa house with Chapter Council members, James Arthur Albert foundation which included playing games, eating good food, providedmoney for Belize children to go to high school. This was an amazing bonding experience for us and learning the traditions and rules of Kappawe are involving ourselves to continue to do it annually.

The next couple months continued with funleader of this foundation, James Albert, memorable events for the new members. Key Sis week was one of extremely thankful that the best weeks of the Spring semester. The bigs had surprises for their littles every night, Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and the last night was especially fond of the Big Little Reveal. The girls were so excited to finally be a part women of a “Kappa familyKappa.” The next major event was Initiation. Inspiration Week was a time for As well as being involved within our chapter to reflect on why we went Kappa and what Kappa means to each , many of us. Sisterhood and the traditions of Kappa were built stronger that week, and the new our members got to be exposed to the true meaning of being a sisterare involved with different organizations on campus. Initiation was followed by Mom’s Weekend festivities. Mothers and daughters This year we had many members who servedas a lovely brunch at the Dallas Country Club. The next day was an open house at the Kappa house PMAC on campus and an Akola Project trunk show for the mothers to enjoy. The spring semester also consisted of Kappas going on spring break together and our fun social formals, Victory and Monmouth. Selected Chapter Council 3 members attended Kappa Province in Lubbock, TX and were proud elected to come back with sit on Panhel, one being the award “Outstanding Performance in Risk Managementnew Panhel President.”

We have a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of the new Drake Honors Magazine, The spring Annual. In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. Thissemester ended, and summer came around with lots alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of opportunities for service to our SMU Kappa memberslocal community. Kappa sisters took summer school, studied abroad, Additionally we keep improving our GPA and also worked incredible internships all over our academics even though the countrystreet is hard competition. Fifteen SMU Kappas studied During the spring we participated heavily in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participatedin Innsbruck, Austria to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2013 was a year to remember for six weeks together traveling Gamma Theta. It will be a year to different countries every weekend. Another group look back on and feel proud of five Kappas studied in Madrid, Spainall the improvement we made. Other Kappas were sprinkled out over Europe studying We are looking forward to what 2014 will have in Italy, London, and Parisstore.

School started back in August'''Campus:'''Small, and all our Kappa members became extremely busy with academics, preparing private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for Recruitment, philanthropy events, and SMU football games and boulevards. Our first philanthropy event was “Kappacino Kafe” and was held students to get involved on the lawn with little sweet treats and frozen yogurt. We successfully raised money for The Akola Project. The next philanthropy event we hosted, Kickin’ it with Kappa,” was even more successful raising money for RIFaround campus. It was a workout out class for the girls in SMU’s Dedman athletic center. Philanthropy donated the rest of the philanthropy budget to The Kappa Foundation at the end of the term. Kappa members also participated with Homecoming week. We painted a banner with our theme and also is typically known as a wooden Peruna (our mascot)liberal arts school.

We participated in Canstruction, Rock the Vote, field day, and building a float. This week was hard work, but we loved coming together as a chapter to support our wonderful homecoming candidate Mackenna Scripps. Kappas continued to enjoy having a tent on the boulevard each game day and supporting the Mustangs at the SMU football games. SMU Family Weekend was a fun weekend for Kappa moms and dads to meet each other and enjoy SMU’s campus and Dallas. We enjoyed our two social events of the semester Pick a Mister for your Sister date dash and Kite and Key formal. '''Chapter:''''A few Kappas also participate in SMU Student Foundation and put on the Celebration well-rounded group of Lights, which is always a special night individuals that the school comes come together to celebrate the Holidays right before final exams.We finished the year strong as young women who excel in many areas (academically. We were also awarded the “Outstanding Member” award by SMU Panhellenic for Lexy Hammesfahr’s incredible performance in SMU, Kappaathletically, socially), and her career. At the end of the semester, we slated for new Chapter Council hold leadership positions, both on campus and our within the chapter was excited about the new leaders in the house.

SMU is located in the center of Dallas. It’s a great location because of the easy routes to downtown, uptown, and other areas in Dallas. The campus is beautiful and is surrounded by green grass and tall trees. SMU is a friendly campus with small classes. The professors make the learning experience great. They are available and willing to meet with students individually. One of the 2013 highlights on campus was the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library. SMU also built new dorms, tennis courts, cafeteria, and band room. SMU offers an atmosphere that’s prestigious and thriving, and Kappas are excited for the new students each year.

We have a very diverse chapter consisting ==Highlights of ladies from different parts of the world and from all over the U.S. The diversity allows Kappas to share different ideas and learn from each other. Our members are involved in many different organizations and groups at SMU and outside of SMU.2014==

Our greatest challenge this 2014 was a great year was accountabilityfor the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We do Members were not fine members for not attending events. Thereforeonly actively involved within the Gamma Theta chapter, it is hard to hold members accountable for attending events. To address this issue, we looked to motivation and a type of “punishment.” The punishment involves making some events mandatoryDrake Greek life, and if members do not attendcampus organizations, but they are sent were also able to standards. Usually the punishment would entail not being allowed to attend the upcoming social events. The motivation and encouragement paid off and was a successful strategyexcel academically.

One of the most important aspects of creating a strong chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is having a successful recruitment. Our chapter was honored to have received an honorable mention Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Award at Convention in the summer of 2014. Gamma Theta proved to be deserving of this award in the spring of 2014 when we initiated 4 members after informal recruitment, and in the fall, when we initiated 36 members after formal recruitment. Our newly initiated members have been exceptionally involved within the chapter, as well as on Greek street and in campus organizations. They have proved to be role models to the rest of the chapter, and ensure that the future of Gamma Theta will be in good hands.

==Highlights Gamma Theta became more philanthropic in 2014 through the incorporation of sisterhood and service. One member of our chapter created Little Ladies Leading; a sisterhood event focused on empowering young girls in Des Moines public elementary schools. Members of the chapter spent the duration of the event partnered with the a "little lady," and led by example what a strong woman leader looks like. Gamma Theta also became actively involved with Graham's Gift; a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. We spent sisterhoods making rainbow loom bracelets to be sold to raise money for childhood cancer research. This aligned closely with our local philanthropy, Children's Cancer Connection. Gamma Theta also had the privilege of being nominated for the ALS Bucket Challenge. We willingly participated and donated, as well as nominated the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters at Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Simpson College. As for involvement in philanthropies within Drake University Greek life, Gamma Theta proved to be actively engaged. In the fall of 2014, we won Theta Chi's philanthropy week, as well as Kappa Alpha Theta's serenades. Not only did this prove to encourage participation among the chapter, it also proved to be a great way to unite as sisters. Sisterhood also flourished during our chapter's philanthropy week for Kappa Klassic, when we raised $3,500 for our local philanthropy and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. There were several new aspects to Kappa Klassic in 2014 that enhanced the week. We sold cups and mason jar mugs that sold remarkably well. We also had a book drive that collected 300 books to be given to the children battling cancer at Blank Children's hospital. Gamma Theta is continually adapting to make sure that we are hosting the best possible philanthropy that we can. Gamma Theta also spent 2014==focused on making improvements to our academics. In 2014 alone, we improved our GPA by .1, had 25 women obtain 4.0s, and had 56% of our returning members improve their GPA from the spring to fall semester. We also had 3 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.

2014 was a great year for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMUTheta has also been actively involved in organizations outside of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This year, our chapter saw incredible academic performance improvementwe had three members serve on the Panhellenic Council (one as president), successful new social activitiesas well as have two women elected into Panhellenic positions for the 2015 year. Additionally, and a remarkable Recruitment. In we had 5 members act as recruitment counselors for formal recruitment in the summer fall of 2014. Our involvement, however, branches into other aspects of campus life as well. We have 7 student-athletes, Drake University's College of Arts and Sciences senator, the Gamma Phi Chapter received editor-in-chief of our university news paper, the prestigious “Panhellenic Award” at the Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention Times Delphic, and have 70 women involved in Houstonclubs, TXorganizations, and business fraternities. This award recognized Some of our chapter as the Kappa chapter that nationally best exemplified true Panhellenic leadership and relations accomplishments on campus include getting first place in the college campus community. The Gamma Phi Chapter also received “Honorable Mention” for “Finance Award”"Yell Like Hell, “Recruitment Award”" (a Drake homecoming tradition), and “Advisory Board Awardbeing intramural soccer champions.” During We are very proud to have women that excel within the fall semester classroom, on game day weekendsDrake campus, we invited the gentlemen and of a different fraternity every week to join us for a favorite Kappa tradition – Friday brunch at the course, within Kappa house.

Gamma Phi Kappas also enjoyed our inaugural Sapphire Ball for Kappas and their datesCampus: Small, during such a special formal night to remember in November. Also during November, a group private university that has an enormous amount of Kappa members hosted a Reading is Key event, while we read opportunities for students to underprivileged elementary school children get involved on and donated hundreds of books for the children to take home. Furthermore, in the fall semester, we invited the SMU around campus and Kappa alumnae for our first ever spirit event before the SMU season opener basketball game, called Kappa Kappa Gameday. In December the semester concluded with our successful inaugural philanthropy event. Our “Kappa Holiday Bazaar” brought all types of vendors to a shopping event for Kappas, to raise money with a portion of all profits to be donated to RIF. In total, we raised over $2,700 in support of Reading It is Fundamental. The Akola Project, the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was also in attendance at the bazaar and sold typically known as a great amount of jewelry to help raise additional funds for their causes. The chapter is also proud to have a Kappa member represent the chapter as Emily Provost was elected to serve as the 2015 SMU Panhellenic Presidentliberal arts school. We are very proud of all of our accomplishment

This year, Southern Methodist University has continued its celebration of our centennial. Panhellenic had the most number Chapter: A well-rounded group of girls ever sign up for rush with numbers topping 600 girls. This allowed the Gamma Phi chapter to welcome a higher than usual new members to our 2015 pledge class. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense of drive and determination throughout our chapter. Our chapter's outlook on the 2014-2015 Gamma Phi year is hopeful and ambitious individuals that come together as we continue our tradition of excellence young women who excel in leadershipmany areas (academically, campus involvementathletically, academicssocially), and sisterhoodhold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

We hold Gamma Theta holds chapter meetings in our chapter house on the North edge dining room of campus, owned by our chapterhouse. The chapter-owned house we currently have was built women of Gamma Theta reside in 2008the Millie Y. It and Frank P. Mattes House, which is listed on the second National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1910, this building was originally a farm house, and was converted to a sorority house in our 1959, when it was purchased by the Gamma Theta chapter's history. It houses 40 of our Kappa sistersKappa Gamma. Since its purchase, mainly upperclassmen and we are so lucky to have the wonderful Jill Rusher as our house mother. We are thankful has undergone two expansions to our Alum and House Board accommodate for helping our incredible in-the growing chapter. Our house experience run smoothlyhas 19 sleeping rooms and can hold 50 women, and has been the home of Kappa Kappa Gamma women since its purchase.

==Highlights of 2015==

2015 was a great positive year for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMUTheta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This Through academicand philanthropic success, as well as active involvement on campus and within Kappa, 2015 provedto be an influential yearfor Gamma Theta. It is important, our as a chapter saw incredible academic performance improvement, successful new social activitiesto place an emphasis on recruiting women to uphold the ideals ofKappa Kappa Gamma. In 2015, Gamma Theta initiated 2 women following informal recruitment, and a remarkable Recruitment28 women following formal recruitment. In The new actives have proven to be actively involvedwithin the spring, we gained 58 new memberschapter and on campus. We enjoyed are excited to see where these women will take GammaTheta throughout the upcoming years. In 2015, Gamma Theta worked hard to create a fun-filled successful philanthropy week for our localphilanthropy, Children’s Cancer Connection, and celebrated Bid Day in January and officially initiated for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. As aresult, our new members on March 21chapter was able to raise $5, 2015500. The This year, our philanthropy week of February 22ndincluded newadditions and some traditions. In addition to Kappa Klassic, our fundraising golf tournamentwhere 120 golfers participated, Gamma Theta sold 300 t-shirts, we enjoyed held a weekmini putt-long visit from our leadership consultant putt competition,and learned arranged a Graham’s Gift bracelet making event where chapters of ways we can improve our chapter Drake’s Greek lifecommunity produced 2,000 bracelets to be donated and heard sold for childhood cancer research.Graham’s Gift is a non-profit organization founded by the brother of things we were doing wellone of our members. On March 30thAlthoughGraham’s Gift is not our traditional philanthropy, we had our first Easter event with find that the Wesley-Rankin after school program with mission of the men organization isrelevant to our mission of Pi Kappa Alpha. We had an Easter egg hunt, played gamessupporting childhood cancer research, and had a cookout for the kidsin addition, is supporting oneof our sisters and it was a tremendous successher family. We had another successful Monmouth formal with Pi Beta Phi on April 18th and enjoyed the traditional formal that  Gamma Theta is a rich part of proud to have our passion for philanthropy expand beyond our historyphilanthropyweek. This fallIn addition to Kappa Klassic, we had many new sisters create a Love Your Melon campus crew and exciting changes and activities MEDLIFE chapter at the Gamma Phi ChapterDrake University in 2015. We continued are proud to have these organizations led byGamma Theta women, and to have them actively advocating for our tradition last year philanthropy and the overallhealthcare of individuals outside of having “Brunch our chapter and in the Des Moines community. Also, ourchapter continues to work with Little Ladies Leading, an event founded by one of our members,where women of our chapter focus on empowering elementary aged girls in the Boys” where one Friday a month we invited a different fraternity Des Moinescommunity. Gamma Theta was proud to have brunch with us win the Outstanding Community Service Award in 2015 at the houseDrake Greek Gala as a result of our active involvement. A new tradition  Scholarship continues to be a focus for Gamma Theta. We are proud of the improvements that we have not practiced made regarding our academics, but continue to strive for excellence. In 2015, the academiccommittee was proactive in over 10 years was creating a positive learning environment for Gamma Theta. Theyimplemented a Scholarly Sister of the Week, weekly Nerd Herds, Owl Pals (academic mentors fornew members), and continuous support for all members, regardless of GPA or personal situation.As a candlelight celebration during which we celebrated one result, 22% of our senior members who got engaged in Junechapter held 4. In October we also participated 0s in a Halloween service event at Wesley-Rankin’s after school program again with the men Spring of Pi Kappa Alpha2015. We played games, spent time with also had 10 women study abroadthroughout the kids, helped them with homeworkcalendar year, and ate LOTS of candy! November was an incredibly busy month for 2 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Gamma Phi chapterDrake University pharmacy program. For  To support a high morale within the first time everchapter, Chapter Council implemented a positive incentiveprogram called Kappa Kash. Women in the entire Gamma Phi chapter celebrated the 145th Founders Day with the received Kappa currency throughout eachsemester for exhibiting behaviors that go above and beyond what is expected of them. Forexample, women received Kappa Dallas Alumnae Association Kash for attending intramural events, supporting sisters at presentations and concerts, getting exemplary grades, and holding leadership positions in campusorganizations. At the Dallas Country Clubclose of each semester, Gamma Theta holds an auction, where Kappa gearand gift cards are auctioned off. We were honored to be included in So far, Gamma Theta is proud of how well the celebration program is beingreceived, and meet Kappas who have been dedicated is excited to our chapter for many see how it will develop over the coming years. On November 15th Although Gamma Theta is always proud of our members’ involvement within Kappa, we had our second annual Holiday Bazaar 2015 provedto raise money be a year of leadership for Reading is Fundamental and enjoyed huge success with Gamma Theta members throughout the eventDrake community. The Akola ProjectWe had 2members hold positions on the Panhellenic Council for the 2015 year, and 1 member inducted in aspresident for the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was upcoming year. We also had 6 recruitment counselors during formal recruitmentin attendance at the bazaar and sold a great amount Fall of 2015. Some additional examples of our involvement outside of jewelry Kappa include, but arenot limited to help raise additional funds : Drake Dance Team Captain, Mortar Board President, members of Order of Omega,founder of TedxDU, resident hall president and executive council members, journalists for their causescampuspublications, Greek FOCUS executive council members, and professional fraternity members inexecutive council positions. On November 22ndGamma Theta members continue to seek involvement throughout theDrake community, strive for academic excellence, we hosted our second annual and of course, pursue the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gameday event in which we celebrated Gamma. Campus: Drake University is a small, private university that has ample opportunities for students toget involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school. Recently, the start of the SMU basketball season with campus as a gathering outside whole has become actively aware of global and domestic issues that face ourgeneration. With the gymnasium. We are incredibly proud of presidential election coming up in the success our chapter has had this next year and look forward , Drake University was proudto an outstanding 2016hold a nationally televised Democratic Presidential debate.

This year, Southern Methodist University finished its four-year long centennial celebration. Panhellenic had the most number of girls ever sign up for rush with numbers topping 600 girls. This allowed the Chapter: Gamma Phi chapter to welcome Theta is a higher than usual new members to our 2015 pledge class. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense well-rounded group of drive and determination throughout our chapter. Our chapter's outlook on the 2016 Gamma Phi year is hopeful and ambitious individuals that come together as we continue our tradition of excellence young womenwho excel in leadershipmany areas (academically, campus involvementathletically, academicssocially), and sisterhoodhold leadership positions bothon campus and within the chapter.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?Gamma Theta’s local philanthropy is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization and its cause in various ways. In addition to raising funds for Children’s Cancer Connection through our main philanthropy event, Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament), Gamma Theta provides fundraising opportunities for the Drake University community throughout the week of our philanthropy. Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?Cancer is a disease that has impacted everyone in one way or another. It is our goal, at Gamma Theta, to bring light to this issue and support the many children who are battling for their life every single day. Children’s Cancer Connection provides hope for children and their families, and as Kappa Kappa Gamma women, wewant to make sure that that hope is in ample supply.  ==Highlights of 2016==

We traditionally raise money 2016 proved to be a memorable and exciting year for Reading is Fundamental and our local chapter philanthropy, the Akola ProjectGamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our members were involved within Kappa as well as outside campus organizations. For service hoursAcademic, we have become very involved in the local Wesley-Rankin after school program over the last several yearsrecruitment and Panhellenic successes contributed to an overall great year.

Why did your Gamma Theta had a very strong year for recruiting substantial new members to our chapter choose this organization(. Spring semester, we informally recruited eight new members after a bowling sisterhood and a Graham's) to support?Gift bracelet making philanthropy event. In the fall, Gamma Theta put a strong emphasis on a values-based mission for formal recruitment. Our chapter very successfully formally recruited and initiated 29 exceptional women in the fall. These new actives have shown dedication, exuberant participation, and are overall a valued asset of our chapter.

Reading is Fundamental is As college students, our academics hold highest priority within Gamma Theta. This year, we have made many achievements towards our national philanthropy academic goals through family study challenges, professor dinners, Nerd Herds, and one that the Gamma Phi Owl Pals. As a chapter holds dear, we raised our spring GPA from 3. We are fortunate 32 to attend such an outstanding university and wish to promote 3.39 in the love for learning and reading by hosting book drives and raising money for RIFfall. The Akola Project This was started by a Gamma Phi alum and seeks the most significant GPA improvement out of all the sororities on Drake's campus. This year, we strived to become more acquainted with Drake faculty in order to promote female empowerment and business leadership help us in impoverished countries such as Uganda through its jewelry businessour scholarship goals. We believe One way we did this was by hosting two professor dinners this year, one in our alums both the spring and providing fall. We had a helping hand to women who seek to empower their communities great turnout with 15 total professors join us at our house. Finally, in places November, we conducted a family study challenge that usually do not value women or see them as world changerswas a huge success. The Wesley-Rankin after school program aligns with our mission of spreading the love for reading and learning is working to make As a impact on the youth of south Dallas. We have loved the kids chapter, we mentorlogged 1, tutor100 study hours in three weeks, and love on their and hope the winning family had 190 of those hours alone. This was a great way to motivate each other to continue our partnership going forward.strive toward academic excellence!

This past year, our Panhellenic representation was of great importance as one of our own members served as the Panhellenic President. This was a huge milestone for Gamma Theta and encouraged overall Panhellenic participation throughout the year. Moreover, during formal recruitment, nine of our members served as Rho Gammas. On top of participation in other chapter’s philanthropy events, Gamma Theta also partook in the second annual Panhellenic Philanthropy event. Drake University's Sororities collaboratively reach out to young ladies in developing countries on the importance of education for becoming strong women. This event was a great time to bond with our sisters as well as the sorority community as a whole.

==Highlights Our philanthropy week was a success as we tried out a new approach by implementing a Kappa Kickball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso events during our philanthropy week. Our kickball tournament was a way to get more Drake students involved in our philanthropy, and successfully amounted to 106 total participants. We ultimately raised $2,554 as well as additional funds towards the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Gamma Theta also put on a children's book donation drive and received 260 books for Everybody Wins! Iowa. Lastly, as previously mentioned during our recruitment, Gamma Theta made bracelets for Graham's Gift philanthropy that one of 2016==our sister's started a couple years ago.

2016 was a year of tremendous growth for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMU. This yearsummer, our chapter saw incredible academic performance improvement, outstanding community service involvement, a successful recruitment, and new social activities. In Spring 2016, sent five of our chapter counsel members along with our chapter GPA rose above the All-Sorority Average and we ranked fourth out of eight Panhellenic chapters on campus. Outside of academics, we completed over 950 hours and raised money counsel advisor to Convention in San Diego! This was a great opportunity for our philanthropies, the Akola Project us to gain new knowledge and Reading is Fundamental. In addition insight that these women brought back to serving our philanthropies we also participated in numerous fundraising events on campuschapter. Kappas participated in SMU’s annual Relay for Life which took place on April 8th as well as participating in Dance Marathon which is Gamma Theta gained a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that SMU had the pleasure new level of hosting appreciation for our ritual after learning about ritual experience with Kappas from around the first timenation. In FebruaryOur chapter counsel integrated new aspects, Marchlearned at Convention, and August, we enjoyed week-long visits from two of improving leadership consultants where we evaluated by increasing transparency to the strengths of our chapter as well as areas for improvement. In the spring, we gained 55 new members who were offically initiated on April 16, 2016. A few days later on April 18th we had another successful Monmouth formal with Pi Beta Phi and enjoyed the traditional formal that is a rich part of our historywhole. This fallAdditionally, we had many new and exciting changes and activities at the Gamma Phi Chapter. We continued Theta sent one of our tradition last year of having “Brunch with the Boys” where one Friday we invited fraternity members to have brunch with us at the houseAnnual Kappa Leadership Academy. We also participated in This member explained to our chapter all the Homecoming festivities including team building a Nevada-themed float activities and supported our wonderful homecoming candidate, Anna Huggleadership takeaways she learned from her experienced. On November 7th the chapter celebrated our Founders Day where we had a history presentation while enjoying themed treats. Chapter Council was invited to celebrate the 146th Founders Day She connected with the Kappa Dallas Alumnae Association at the Dallas Country Club. We were honored to be included in the celebration again and to witness Kappas getting their 50 and 65 year badges. This fall semester we also had two successful panhellenic events. The first was a Yogurt & Yoga event which we hosted at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and invited the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega. The from other panhellenic event was an Ice Cream Social with the sisters of Delta Gamma. We also spent time with the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta when we had our annual Kite & Key formal on November 12th. Two days later on November 14th we had our first ever Fall Fest with the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon which raised money for The Akola Project. The gathering included fall-themed games chapters and treats such as corn hole and apple cider. On November 20th, we had our second annual Holiday Bazaar to raise money for Reading learned that communication is Fundamental which was a huge success. The Akola Project, the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was also in attendance at the bazaar and sold a great amount key component of jewelry to help raise additional funds for their cause. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements our chapter has had this year and look forward to an outstanding 2017leadership by example.

In addition to Kappa involvement, Gamma Theta's members have been active and high achieving on Drake's campus as well as by furthering their career goals. This year, Southern Methodist University Panhellenic we had the most number of girls ever sign up for recruitment with numbers topping 617 girls. This allowed the Gamma Phi chapter to welcome a more new members to our 2016 pledge class than usualengaged in campus PMACs (Peer Mentor Academic Consultants) positions during freshman orientation, summer internships, and leadership positions in campus organizations such as student activities board, Greeks Against Sexual Assault, and Professional Fraternities. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense Two of drive and determination throughout our chapter and members also co-founded the Women in our communityBusiness campus organization. We are also proud to have sent a total of the events we hosted and participated in six women on campus with other sororities and look forward to continuing these strong relationships in the futuretravel aboard programs. Our chapter's outlook on the 2017 2016 has been a very successful year for Gamma Phi year is positive and ambitious Theta as we continue our tradition of excellence in leadership, campus involvement, academics, a chapter and sisterhoodon an individual basis.

We traditionally raise money for Reading Campus: Drake University is Fundamental a small, private university with many leadership and our local chapter philanthropy, the Akola Project. In addition, our chapter participated involvement opportunities in fundraising events for numerous other oganizations such as Relay for Life and Dance Marathonout of campus.Reading It is Fundamental is our national philanthropy and one that the Gamma Phi chapter holds dearknown as a liberal arts school. We are fortunate to attend such an outstanding university and wish to promote This past year, Drake has been actively involveed in the love for learning 2016 Presidential Election with many politicians and reading by hosting book drives and raising money for RIFcelebrities visiting our campus. The Akola Project was started by rapper, Drake, also made a Gamma Phi alum and seeks to promote female empowerment and business leadership in impoverished countries such secret appearance on campus as well as Uganda through its jewelry business. We believe in our alums and providing a helping hand chapter house this past fall, but unfortunately no one was awake to women who seek to empower their communities in places that usually do not value women or see them as world changersanswer the door.

We Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold chapter meetings in our chapter house leadership positions both on the North edge of Southern Methodist University campus. Our house was recently redecorated and remains under within the ownership of our chapter.

==Highlights of 2017==

This year, we placed a high focus The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made quite an impact on academic performance, Panhellenic relations, andvolunteerism on campus. We have greatly improved our academic performance to an overallchapter GPA of and multiple chapter members received merit based awards from the University.We drastically increased the number year of girls with 42017.0 GPAs and started “Academic Spotlight ofthe Week” This year has been memorable for many reasons. Our chapter members who exhibited strength have been involved in academics or unique academic interests.Additionallynumerous Kappa oppurtunities, there were multiple girls who received academic excellence awards.Our chapter improved its Panhellenic relations by holding an event for the whole Panhelleniccommunity both on- mental health and domestic violence awareness night campus as well as several socials withhouses we haven’t mixed with in the past yearoff-campus organizations. We also supported other house’s philanthropyevents, including playing in the Gamma Phi Beta Moonball tournament.Our chapter’s average volunteer hours per member drastically improved in the Spring and Fallsemesters commitment to 8.6 and 8.4 hoursacademics, respectively. With the addition of our Hurricane Harvey Reliefefforts, we raised $2,000 with the help recruitment success and support of the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.We also brought overall Panhellenic involvement has contributed to a new fundraising event to our campus called “Kappa Karnival” which raisedabout $1,000 for Reading is Fundamental. Finally, our other great pride was hosting the Girl’sAcademy weekend-long retreat for middle school girlsmemorable and accomplished year.

Our Panhellenic community is about to increase due to Gamma Theta began the highest number of girls signed up for formal informal recruitment process in our University's history. The Gamma Phi chapter looks forward to welcoming new members into the Panhellenic community so that we can share our love of Greek Life with the rest Spring of the SMU campus2017.HistoricallyIn mid-Feburuary, our chapter has raised money Kappa invited 15 women to the Kappa house for Reading is Fundamental Monday night dinner and our local chapter philanthropy, The Akola Projectother various activities that took place throughout the week. AdditionallyWhen the week came to an end, we participate in onunfortunately were unable to extend a bid to any potential new members due to academic requirements. Our new member chair planned a miraculous winter-campus philanthropy events such wonderland themed bid day of roller skating and snacks. We ended up treating our bid day as the SMU Dance Marathon a sisterhood and Relay for Lifehad a lot of fun bonding. This year our chapter chose With high morale and an eagerness to welcome new members to hold our very first Girls' Academyhome, fall could not come soon enough. Fall formal recruitment commenced mid-August with work week.Reading is Fundamental is KKG's national philanthropy which we look forward During work week, Gamma Theta was introduced to supporting each year because as college women, we understand the importance of education and the great opportunity we have been given select-a-sis voting app. We were able to attend such an esteemed university where we feel we can learn to thriveuse this handy device for SS while voting on potential new members.The Akola project is another philanthropy that we cherish not only because of its mission but because it was founded by We practiced rotations until our very own Brittany Underwoodfeet hurt as well as natural conversations with sisters. Work week went swimmingly. When actual recrutiment came along, our members were able to give potential new members a glimpse into the Gamma Phi alumTheta Chapter. She began this foundation in hope of transforming At the lives end of impoverished women and families of Uganda through trainingrecruitment, we were fortunate enough to welcome 33 new members home with our carnival themed bid day on September 10. Kappa reached quota, employment and holistic careso we did not have to give out any snap bids or continous bids. We intiated our new members on November 4.

Each As college students, our academics remain the highest priority. During the year of 2017, Gamma Theta Chapter improved leaps and bounds in academics. In the Spring of 2017, our Vice President of Academic Excellence, did a wonderful job scheduling academic programming at chapters. We were able to have HR programming, as well as a professor dinner. We have also kept our nerd herds, Geek of the Week and A's and B's Challenges consistent. These competitions give chapter members a friendly reason to stay motivated. In the summer, Kappa was notified of our grade point average improvement. Our overall chapter grade point average went from a 3.3 to a 3.4 in the spring. We moved from fourth on the street to third on the street. With scholarship in mind, two of our very own chapter members received a Kappa Scholarship. We also had a member receive a national scholarship worth $3,000. Our philanthropy involvement has increased over the year of 2017. At chapter council, we created and implemented a rule to engage and encourage members to attend and participate in philanthropy events. For other chapters' serenades Kappa team that takes part now requires certain committees to attend at least one serenade a semester. If you are unable to attend, you are required to find a replacement . As a chapter we participated in over 6 philanthropy weeks throughout the Dance Marathon year, with each member attending at least 2 events from an outside philanthropy event. We were able to support Childrenraise the most money for St. Jude's Health Up Til' Down event and Childrengained enough points to obtain the runner-up honor for Sigma Phi Epsilon's Miracle Network philanthropy week. Our philanthropies included an alumni brunch in greater Dallasthe Spring where we hosted generations of Kappas for food and fun. During the brunch, there was a silent auction with donated items from businesses all around Des Moines. AdditionallyFall semester we hosted our annual Kappa Kickball Tournament, Relay Book Drive and Grabba Grabba Donut. We collected over 250 books for Life Reading is another organization that Fundamental and raised over $2,000 for the Children's Cancer Connection. For service hours, we hold dearconstructed a little ladies leading program at Molten Elementary during the CFUM after- school program. One We also read to children at BruBaker Elementary in Des Moines for Reading is Fundamental. As Drake's Panhellenic council transitions into a new year, positions will be transitioning as well. Kappa has two out-going council members and two in-coming council members. The newly elected Kappa's will serve as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the Panhellenic council.  In the Spring, a few of our chapter Chapter Council members was honored as traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the Kappa Leadership Academy. Over the long weekend, they learned many new strategies and skills to help lead Kappa toward continued success. We were fortunate enough to have one of our very own members be recognized for the top participantsoutstanding new member award from Drake's Panhellenic Council. WE will participate After spring semester came to an end and the summer months began, Kappa was lucky enough to have a few members selected to be Peer Mentor Academic Counselors, as well as 8 recruitment counselors. Gamma Theta also had 7 women go abroad for a full semester in this again this Aprilthe spring, as well as multiple internships and careers. In conclusion, As a chapter we have struggled with utilizing our council committees. Luckily chapter hosted council caught this problem early on and resolved the issue. Our Vice President of Organization revamped and reorganized our committees. We now utilize our first Girlstime wisely at chapter committee meetings and delegate more tasks to the members appointed to do so. This takes a lot of weight off the chapter officers' Academy shoulders and develops leadership skills in other members gradually. Gamma Theta has also stuggled with our overall behavior at events, dates included. We have recently shut down this issue with a local school strict no tolerance policy. Our chapter's overall well-being has improved tremendously over the past year, ever since being placed on a warning of probation. Gamma Theat will be re-evaluated in DallasDecember 2017. Girls Academy is  Recently, we were able to welcome 33 oustanding new members home. Our chapter has grown and so has our appreciation for sisterhood. Our new members are inspiring us in so many different ways. They are already taking on leadership positions through Kappa and other organizations, on-campus and off-campus. With that being said, we were placed on a warning of probation around a year ago. This was a serious issue for Gamma Theta, and we take the status of the chapter seriously. As a weekchapter we took all necessary precautions and procedures to ensure we got back on the right track and to an acceptable status. Gamma Theta will be re-evaluated this December. Our no tolerance policy has made for successful events. We have also implemented many sisterhoods to ensure bonding time with one another without the need of alcohol or dates. These sisterhoods have been mandatory and non-mandatory. Some of the sisterhoods that took place this year included the Farmer's Market, gingerbread house-end long program designed making, writing a friendly letter to your sister and the white elephant Christmas party. Many of these sisterhoods took the place of normal events. The improvements that have taken place give us high hopes for the future of Gamma Theta.  Gamma Theta supports the following philanthropies:Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation/Rose McGill FundChildren's Cancer ConnectionReading is Fundamental  The Gamma Theta Chapter has specifically chosen Children's Cancer Connection foundation, because it is local to teachDes Moines, motivate and empower middle school girls it is close to be proud of our hearts. We have many family members and friends who they are currently diagnosed or who have been diagnosed with cancer. This organization allows us to give back in honor of our loved ones and comfortable in this won skins which contribute to the research that will hopefully one day find a cure. It also allows many children diagnosed with cancer to attend a camp that is like a cause that dream come true for them. Kappa's close connection with Children's Cancer Connection geographically and emotionally gives our chapter women really identified with philanthropy a strong and passionate meaning. Reading is Fundamental is just as important to Kappa because of the development of young children's education. Kappa strives for academic success and enjoyed volunteering in supporting an organization that strongly encourages reading and putting on the eventfurthering of education is something Kappa has and will always promote. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation is national, so it is not specific to Gamma Theta, but we support it nevertheless. We will always be there for a sister in need.  We meet in our own chapter facility every Sunday evening at 7 pm. We meet in our kitchen since it is the largest space in the dining room house and can fit all of our chapter house on the SMU campusmembers comfortably.

==Highlights of 2018==

The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made 2018 a wonderful year. We have strengthened our sisterhood, while also maintaining strong academics and campus involvement this year.

[[File:Gamma Theta Chapter Council.png|thumb|Gamma Theta Chapter Council members]]

After finally being lifted from probation At Gamma Theta, it remains evident that we hold each other accountable to high academic standards. We have been making an effort to boost moved toward our academic goals through continuing professor dinners, Geek of the morale Week, Nerd Herds, and ensure that everyone is enjoying their time in the Owl Pals. As a chapter. With the new academic standard Kappa has set, we have been trying to work with the chapter to try to ensure a fair raised our GPA is set, we concluded for from a 23.5 for actives and 236 to 3.7 for new members44. We also held a Founders Day event in which Kappa's from 50 and 70+ years came and enjoyed an afternoon ended up tying with our chapter and sharing stories from their past. We also won another sorority for most improved GPA of the Chapter semester and Advisory Board Relations award we kept our rank at Conventionthird on the street, which is something we consider to be a huge honor after coming off great accomplishment. In addition, we are excited to say that two of probation win which our very own Gamma Theta sisters were granted the Kappa scholarship as well. Throughout the semester, we were constantly praised for our improvement and commitment encouraged members of all grades to talk within their majors as a way to betting give the Gamma Phi chapter's name new initiates help as well they push through their first semester at college. This became something known as community service effortsOwl Pal groups, a resource to get new sisters the help they need when struggling in a course or deciding on what courses to take during registration.No recent changes In addition, we had the opportunity to connect on campusa deeper level with some of our favorite professors attending the February Professor Dinner, Panhellenic Board has created different guidelines with a total of 10 professors in attendance! The feedback from both professors and mandatory events for Greek life and our women within the chapter has made an effort was extremely positive, we hope to comply with all decisions they have setdo it again in the future semesters.[[File:Gamma Theta Seniors - Graduation Day.png|thumb|Graduation day - senior class 2018]]

Our As the 2018 spring semester began, Gamma Theta was ready to improve all areas of the chapter. In February, we had 29 women certified and trained to be members of our event ERT (Emergency Response Team). This commitment by the chapter supports to ensure safe and enjoyable events was displayed throughout the Akola year at our various events including two formals and Dallas Genesis Women's Sheltertwo date parties. At Kappa Karnival In the spring of 2018 we did a dynamic duo date party at the Garden nightclub in Downtown Des Moines, as well as our spring formal with SAE we raised $1560 for both senior superlatives/awards at the Marriott hotel. In the Dallas Genesis Women's Shelter(which fall of 2018 we chose because it is local charity had Barn Party at Beer Can Alley and winter formal at a new venue that provides support to domestic violence victims) and Akola Project(chosen because it we have never used before. The venue was started by an SMU Kappa alumna The Tuscany Event Center in Urbandale, Iowa. Our events have run smoothly and promotes female leadership/entrepreneurship)for the most part, everyone has been very well behaved during the past year. We hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.

Our 2018 philanthropy week was an overwhelming success this year with our Kappa Dodgeball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso. We raised more than $1,200 for Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, our philanthropy efforts have only continued to increase this year. We collected more than 250 books that were donated to the Youth Emergency Services and Shelter of Iowa. Our members participated in more than 900 service hours in the spring and 1,400 hours this fall! Gamma Theta has also persisted as the top fundraiser for the campus wide event, St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn, and participated in more than 15 different philanthropic events for the Panhellenic community.

This summer, our chapter sent five of our chapter council members, along with an advisor, to Convention in Denver, Colorado! This was a great experience for the women to gain knowledge on how to improve the Gamma Theta chapter, especially in areas regarding recruitment and initiation. Additionally, we sent one member to represent Gamma Theta at the Annual Kappa Leadership Academy in Marengo, Ohio, where she was able to connect with other Kappas and hear about their personal leadership experiences. Last, Gamma Theta has a member serving on the Collegiate Advisory Board who was able to attend a conference at Headquarters in October. She continues to give feedback on fraternity policies to help make Kappa the best it can possibly be!

 

In 2018, Gamma Theta had great involvement in the Panhellenic community and campus wide. We had two members of our chapter serving as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the 2018 Panhellenic Council. On the 2019 Panhellenic Council, a member of our chapter will be serving as the Vice President of Recruitment. Additionally, we had seven women serving as Recruitment Counselors during formal recruitment in the fall. Moreover, we showed significant involvement through Panhellenic Sisterhoods with Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Gamma. This was a great opportunity to spend time with and strengthen the bonds between our different chapters.

 

Gamma Theta began the formal recruitment process in the Fall of 2018. After a successful work week, we recruited our new members with ease. On September 9th, we were grateful to be able to welcome our 32 new members home to Kappa at our Candyland themed bid day. Kappa reached quota, so we did not have to give out any snap or continuous bids. We initiated our new members on November 3rd. [[File:Gamma Theta Bid Day New Members 2018.png|thumb|Bid Day! New Members 2018]]

 

During the recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. We hosted numerous sisterhoods this semester, including a Valentine’s Day gift exchange, cosmic bowling, and a self-defense sisterhood. We also sent care packages to our sisters abroad and implemented new chapter programming. “Polished Kappa” was introduced to the chapter as a way to recognize a sister’s kind efforts. “Spotlight Sister” was added to chapter programming to promote relations between alumni and collegiate sisters. Overall, 2018 proved to be a great year for the Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma! [[File:Gamma Theta Cosmic Bowling.png|thumb|Cosmic Bowling sisterhood event]]

 

The Gamma Theta Chapter has chosen to support Children's Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our values of scholarship and allows us to give back to the children in our community. Last, we support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

==Highlights of 2019==

The women of Gamma Theta have had an exciting year! Our commitment to academics, recruitment success, and overall Panhellenic involvement have contributed to a memorable and accomplished year. We enjoyed 2019 and look forward to 2020!

 

The year started with spring informal recruitment, our chapter decided to participate and we are so lucky. We welcomed four amazing new members on February 10th and they were all initiated just a few weeks later. During our initiation, we had a fun movie sisterhood at the local movie theatre with popcorn and candy.

 

Unfortunately, in March we lost our loving advisor Mary Canady Laughlin, her passing deeply affected our chapter and we hosted a ritual in her memory. A month later, at the annual Drake FSeLebration, Mary was awarded the Outstanding Chapter Advisor award, and in her honor, Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life decided to rename the award to the ‘Mary Canady Laughlin Advisor of the Year’. Along with this incredible honor, Kappa was recognized for other awards. Our Philanthropy Chairman, Ashlie Bunten, was awarded the Outstanding Community Service award and our chapter received the 2018 Outstanding Harm Reduction & Risk Management Award.

 

Five of our members and our Chapter Council Advisor attended the Kappa leadership conference in Dallas and had a great time working with other chapters to better their leadership skills within Kappa.

We hosted multiple amazing events in the Spring including a resume building workshop with Drake’s Women in Business, a rock and roll themed date party, Mom’s weekend and a beautiful spring formal at Des Moines’ Rollins Mansion. We hosted Banana Splits and Books to benefit Reading is Fundamental where we raised around $1,000. $400 was used to purchase books for Monroe Elementary School here in Des Moines, 2.5% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and the rest went to RIF.

The previous calendar year, 2019As college students, was an eventful and special time for the Gamma Phi Chapter. We experienced many special events that further bonded us and supported Chapter Council's goal to make our chapter more connected as a whole. To start, we were able to host many formal events thanks to academics remain the help from our incredible Event Chair, Taylor Nielson, and Risk Management chair, Corina Gonzalez-Molinahighest priority. Some of these were formal parties paired with other sororities on campus, and others were "date dashes," where members dress in costume according to a given theme. We also participated in During the homecoming parade, where we nominated our Treasurer, Sarah Anania, to represent our chapter. We paired with SAE in the parade, and we had a lot year of fun building our float together. Additionally, one of our member's hard work in the classroom paid off. Elizabeth Kelley, our New Membership Chair2019, is the first recipient to be awarded the Wendy Weber Smith scholarship, a scholarship honoring Wendy Weber Smith, an SMU Kappa almuna. Our chapter was able to properly thank the scholarship donors by inviting them to our Founder's Day celebration and thanking them in person.Regarding philanthropy, our Philanthropy Chair, Katie Skillman, organized two events where our chapter raised $3197. Our chapter members thoroughly enjoyed coming together to support others and give back to our community. Lastly, the Gamma Phi Theta Chapter made eco-friendly strides regarding the consumption of styrofoam in the house. With 40 girls living in Kappa improved leaps and styrofoam being the main source of plates, bowls, and cups, we throw away a mass amount of it on a daily basis. Luckily, our President, Gwen Everett, and House Chair, Ashley Anthony, met with our House Board to discuss "going green" and introducing paper plates. By using paper, we would be reducing our carbon footprint, but also spending more money because paper costs more than styrofoam. With these extra expenses bounds in mind, we feel very grateful that House Board granted us permission and the funds to use paper plates and support our initiative to "go green." As a Chapter Council, we set one main goal for the yearacademics. We wanted our chapter to feel more inclusive and cohesive. While finished the members in our chapter are kind to one another, we noticed slight divides between different groups of girls. To break these divisions, our VP Standards Chair, Shelby Nutter, planned free workout classes to help promote various fitness studios and also encourage girls to spend time spring semester with members outside their typical social circle. These classes were successful, as chapter members feel the classes gave them an opportunity to get to know each other better. Additionally, as our chapter is gearing up to welcome home our new pledge class, PC'20, our youngest pledge class, PC'19, has been doing an incredible job including each other while practicing for recruitment. We believe that the environment within our chapter is much more cohesive than we were in January.While we had a very successful year, we faced an unexpected challenge. With apartment living so common for the junior and senior classes, we struggled to fill the house with girls to live in it. While we were eventually able to fill it this past year, unfortunately, this challenge appears to be rising again for the 2020 academic year. However, our House Chair, Ashley Anthony, is doing an incredible job encouraging girls to live in the house and communicating its many benefits3. While this is a challenge Chapter Council has to face, since we were able to fill the house before, we are confident we will be able to fill it again39 GPA.

During the summer our members worked hard taking summer classes, tackling amazing internships and getting ready to head back to campus! Some of our members worked at organizations all across the country like EMC Insurance, Edward Jones, Congress, The Heritage Foundation, Boston Medical School, and so much more.

While there have not been many significant changes on campus, In the chapter's overall nature is positive and encouraging. The girls in the chapter seem fall we were eager to genuinely want start up the best for each otherformal recruitment process. After an exciting work week, and this positivity continues we started our fall semester ready to grow. Our chapter is especially excited because recruitment is right around take on the rest of the corneryear. We feel prepared, and we are confident that we will welcome home a group One of well-rounded, "kappa classy" girls in January 2020! our members received her Occupational Therapy white coat alongside two members who received their Pharmacy white coats.

Our chapter supports Reading is FundamentalAfter an exciting and hard-worked five day recruitment, the Kappa Kappa we welcomed 33 new members with a game-day themed bid day! And, after deciding to continuously open bid, we welcomed two more new members! 34 women became new actives in early November with their family members in attendance who were also Gamma Foundation, Theta alumni and Kappas from all over the Akola Projectcountry.

Reading is Fundamental Our fall philanthropy event was Kamp Kappa, we hosted the Drake community at our house where we played board games, made s’ mores, and invited members of Des Moines Children’s Cancer Connection. We raised around $3,050 which 10% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation are Kappa's nationally supported philanthropies. Reading is Fundamental supports children's literacy in underprivileged schools. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation helps support Kappas in times of adversity. Our third local philanthropy is the Akola Project. The Akola Project was founded by an SMU Kappa in and the mid 2000s. The Akola Project serves rest went to employ impoverished women in Uganda by making handcrafted beads for jewelrybenefit Children’s Cancer Connection.

Gamma Theta had overwhelming campus involvement this year. With two members serving as Orientation Leaders, our President, Sophie, serving on the Peer Advisory Board which oversaw Welcome Weekend for first-years and Peer Mentor and Academic Consultants, which included eight Kappa members, one woman on Panhellenic Council and six recruitment counselors. In the 2020 year, we will have four of our members serving on the Drake Panhellenic Council in positions including VP of Recruitment, VP of Recruitment Counselors, VP of Marketing and VP of Community Engagement. We were also involved in continuous clubs and organizations such as leading Active Minds, Drake Rowing Team, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Drake Magazine, Order of Omega, CBPA Ambassadors and so many other organization across Drake’s campus.

The chapter celebrated Founders Day by hosting Our fall events included our annual Barn Party at American Outlaws, winter formal at the Dallas alumni that were receiving their milestone pins at Des Moines Embassy Club and we finished the house. We hosted semester off with an afternoon tea with trays of snacks, beautiful flower arrangements, and speeches ice skating sisterhood! Our members made a commitment to express our gratitude ensure safe and respect for the members receiving their pins. Per chapter ritual, six Chapter Council members conducted the candle light ceremonyenjoyable events, which all of was displayed throughout the attendees enjoyedyear and we hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.

During recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. Overall, 2019 turned out to be an amazing year for the women of Gamma Theta.

The Gamma Phi Theta Chapter is aware and excited for Kappahas chosen to support Children's 150th anniversary approaching Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in 2020honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. Brainstorming for a unique and fun celebration has recently begun, and We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our chapter's various creative minds, we are excited values of scholarship and allows us to take submissions for ideas. We are considering the budget for a chapter-wide event give back to celebrate the huge milestonechildren in our community. As time goes onLast, we will have a more concrete answer as to how we are going to celebrate 150 years of support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa KappaGamma Foundation.

We celebrated our Founders Day at the local Windsor Heights Community Center, where we had a beautiful brunch spread with alumni and current members. For the first time in a few years we held the Founders Day ritual ceremony as well. We also played a fun Kahoot game where members and alumni had to answer questions about Kappa history. It was a beautiful morning in October and our members look forward to it every year!

 

==Highlights of 2020s:==

==Highlights of 2020==

This past To say that change was a major theme of this year would be an understatement for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As for most people, no one would have expected a lot in our global pandemic at the start of 2020, but it proved to be an opportunity for growth. The chapter council had set many goals for the year and planned on making many positive changes for the chapter has changed due to . Some of the goals before and during the COVID-19. Thankfully, we still got through pandemic included increasing transparency between the chapter council and the chapter as a successful initiation for PC’20 before SMU shut downwhole. This semester, we The weekly chapter council meetings were unable made open to hold any Kappa in-person eventsthe whole chapter to help encourage this transparency.  The council also made it the main goal to keep the sisterhood strong during the pandemic. This includes date dasheswas accomplished by numerous virtual sisterhoods including, Bingo, Jack in the Sapphire BallBox Games, Trivia, and different philanthropic eventsmuch more. HoweverAnother goal the council accomplished was introducing two Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chairman that did served as our chapter’s resource to learn more about how to be an ally. They offered programming to our chapter and led with an open-discussion format. Our chapter found this very beneficial and want to continue to grow and expand this position and its duties.  Although this year was not stop usnormal our chapter was excited to receive an honorable mention for the Risk Management award for chapters with 118 or fewer members.  We also were able to continue to raise money and have philanthropic activities for our members through an initiative called Krafty Kappas. During what normally would have been our philanthropy week we collected craft supplies to donate to Children’s Cancer Connection in Des Moines for children to play with while they wait for treatment. This We made the transition to fully online activities during the lockdown in March and carried out virtual chapters, meetings, and sisterhoods for the length of the year marked .  To help our members cope with the pandemic we also instituted two Covid Chairs. The two women selected, one living in the 150th house and one residing in the dorms on campus, served as a resource for members for any questions related to the pandemic or the functioning of the chapter. Overall, while this year of was not what we expected, we have made our best efforts to embody Kappa’s values and keep the traditions and sisterhood alive. Chapter Philanthropy: what organizations did the chapter support? Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa GammaFoundation, Children’s Cancer Connection. We decided chose to donate over 150 bookssupport CCC because we are passionate about helping children and families in the Des Moines area who have been affected by cancer. Partnering with CCC has been an honor. How did your chapter include diversity, equity and inclusion in their initiatives this year? Our chapter made enormous strides in regards to DEI initiatives. We elected our first DEI officer to our chapter council. She has led many programmings and discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion, and we have had a very positive chapter response. Another way our chapter has included diversity, equity, and give out blue hand sanitizerinclusion is through our social media. Throughout 2020 we have done many social media campaigns supporting causes related to these topics. We also held have our HIRO’s which is our programming system that hosts 1-2 diversity, equity, and inclusion seminars a virtual meals on wheels event last semester. This Lastly, our Panhellenic Council created a Black Lives Matter programming that lasted the entirety of the fall semester we held to help engage all of the chapters on our campus in discussions regarding race, privilege, and many more topics. How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th birthday? All year long, our chapter has done bi-weekly history nuggets to learn more about our founders and Kappa’s history. Our chapter LOVES them. We also partnered with Simpson college and had a virtual workout class joint Sesquintennial celebration via Zoom. Many alumna were able to attended as well. We loved being in break out rooms and getting to know alumna and current members from other chapters. We shared stories of our sisterhood and what Kappa means to us! [[File:Big and littles 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day 2020]][[File:Bid day 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day banner]][[File:Big and littles 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day 2020]] ==Highlights of 2021== The members of Gamma Theta have come back stronger than ever after the pandemic of 2020! As our chapter has changed yet again, our commitment to excellence is still firmly intact. We have loved getting back into more “regular” activities such as in-person chapters and events while building new connections with Lyncour new actives and the Panhellenic community. All Our chapter council made it our goal to rebuild this chapter after the proceeds went towards pandemic, and wow, did they ever.  The spring of 2021 began with informal recruitment and many online activities. We welcomed four new members. As the Bridge Breast Networkvaccine became more available, our guidelines shifted, and we were able to hold some of our first in-person sisterhoods. Although our chapter facility was not open, our members made it a priority to get together. We also held hosted many sisterhoods such as a scholarshipsspa night, one-on-one sisterhood dates, and treat bags for our members during finals week. This includes  In May of 2021, the Dallas Alumnae Association Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life community hosted their annual awards. Gamma Phi Theta was awarded Outstanding Programming, Outstanding Sisterhood, and Chapter Scholarshipof the Year. Our chapter advisor, Kailey Huilick, was also awarded Outstanding Chapter Advisor and senior Anna Sutterer who won the Wendy Weber Scholarship Outstanding FSL Leader Award. To say that we are proud would be a major understatement! These awards were a tribute to our “covid” chapter council and all of their hard work. We hope to grow and continue to earn recognitions such as these in the Nancy Moses Scholarshipfuture! [[File:Gamma Theta Painted Streets. Juniorjpg|thumb|Painted Streets]] Transitioning to the Fall of 2021, Hailey Haase received we held our first in-person recruitment since pre-covid, which was a smashing success. We welcomed 22 new members into this chapter and hosted our first barn party and formal! It has been so fun getting to know everyone through these events, and the Wendy Weber Scholarship chapter council is very proud of all that has been accomplished. While this year was full of new adventures, we were able to reconnect and seniorsreevaluate what we wanted this chapter to look like. Our DEI officers contributed tons of practical programming, Candice Cramer and Isabelle Wyant received they created a space for safe conversation. Our members have grown closer through these activities as well. [[File:Gamma Theta Bid Day.jpg|thumb|Bid Day Fall 2021]][[File:Gamma Theta House Tours.jpg|thumb|Recruitment Fall 2021]][[File:Gamma Theta Recruitment 2021.jpg|thumb|Recruitment 2021]][[File:Gamma Theta Big-Little Reveal.jpg|thumb|Bid/Little Reveal]] During the Nancy Moses Scholarshipspring semester, we held a philanthropy event supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. Since Additionally, our chapter members participated in a “Giving Challenge,” which engaged them in a friendly competition to see which pledge class could not be together complete the most hours of service, volunteering, and philanthropic actions. During the fall semester, we held an earring sale with a KKG alumna. A portion of the proceeds from this sale was donated to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. To support our new national philanthropy, Mental Health and Well-Being, we participated in our specific partner’s annual walk – NAMIWalks. We engaged in fundraising and service during this event, by raising $600 for NAMI and volunteering at the event. We also hosted a fall philanthropy event titled “Movie Night with KKG – Starring: Children’s Cancer Connection” to support our local philanthropy. In addition to our internal philanthropic involvement, we also participated externally. We did so by donating and participating with other chapters and their philanthropies. We also participated in a group volunteering opportunity at Meals from the houseHeartland, a local food packaging organization.  Throughout all of the standards chairman organized different activities, our members have proven again that sisterhood and connection are important. To see our members grow and return to a semi-normal world has been nothing short of amazing. Overall, 2021 has been a year full of trail-blazing, connection, and fun for the members of Gamma Theta. Our local philanthropy organization is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization through initiatives that are like our national philanthropies – fundraising events like going , service opportunities, etc. We support this organization because it is part of Des Moines community and is a cause that our members are passionate about. Knowing that so many families are affected by childhood cancer, encourages us to do what we can to help support, advocate, and build connections with an organization such as Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, the proximity of this organization (only a drivefew miles) allows us to directly work with them in-thru movie theater in Dallas!person, which allows for more deeper and genuine connections.

During the spring semester, we primarily focused on supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We did so by hosting a philanthropy event titled, “Kookies and Kappas,” and raised over $1000. This semester, we supported the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation by fundraising during an earring sale during recruitment. This gave our members the opportunity to participate in the fundraising and donating, while also supporting the KKG Foundation. Additionally, we supported the Foundation through education about the philanthropy. Through multiple presentations throughout the year, our members became more aware of what the Foundation does for its’ members and what role in plays within our chapter and why we support this organization. Our chapter supports Akola Jewelry during was very excited to learn about our new national philanthropy dayinitiative, Mental Health and Well-Being. We have worked began our support by choosing our partner. To do so, we held an information session introducing all the potential partners and then voted on which we thought was the best fit for our chapter at this time. We chose NAMI! After this selection, we immediately got engaged with this the organization for yearsby participating in our local NAMIWalks. It is We raised a business run total of $600 and got to complete service by women to empower other womenvolunteering during the event. It helps Like the lives Foundation, we continued our support of those less fortunate the organization through education. Informing our chapter about NAMI and Mental Health in general is something that we are very lucky wanted to work with a company started include in our chapter. One way we did this was by participating in Mental Health Week by writing positive comments and by an SMU Kappa alumlearning more about mental health and well-being.

This Throughout the year we , diversity, equity, and inclusion has played a key role in our chapter. With diversity, equity and inclusion becoming a chair within the past 2 years, it has continued to grow and has made a continuous effort to raise awareness of the issues in our current world, as well as ensuring an inclusive environment is maintained to welcome everyone. There are adding a DEI member two co-chairs that have brought different activities to the chapter. These activities raised important talking points and allowed people the opportunity to truly get to know one another. To ensure issues in the chapter were being addressed, the co-chairs continuously opened the floor for suggestions. By doing this, they were able to create activities and PowerPoints that addressed the needs of the chapter council. This position will be elected by Diversity, equity, and inclusion is for everyone to learn, so putting forth the new effort to address each suggestion was extremely important. Other positions in our chapter council took what the DEI chairs presented and incorporated this springinto their positions to ensure our chapter was doing the best they could to make sure everyone feels as though Kappa is a safe place for them. This position As the diversity, equity, and inclusion chairs continue throughout the years, many new issues will include arise, but our chapter training has proven they will do all that they can to learn and awareness. create a safe environment everyone can thrive in

How did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. This year marked was closer to normal then we have been in a very long time. Our spring semester was still tainted by the 150th year of Kappa Kappa Gammapandemic. Initiation and recruitment were online as well as our chapter facility was shut down. We decided to donate over 150 books, That did not stop us though from pushing for connection and give out blue hand sanitizersisterhood through more socially-distant events such as yoga. The books went to benefit Reading is Fundamental which is our national philanthropyfall of 2021 however has been a ray of sunshine through these days. We also gave out Kappa history and fact sheets Our chapter facility reopened to active eager membersitching to live there.Our campus allowed in-person recruitment and chapter activities including events! While it is still not 100% normal, we are so close!

[[File:Smuhouse.jpg|thumb|Front steps ==Highlights of house]][[File:Smuworkout.jpg|thumb|working out together]]2022==

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