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In 2005, Delta Beta implemented a new strategy of presenting something interesting from our archives at each formal meeting. The chapter really enjoyed these presentations, which included photo albums, scrapbooks, old bylaws, chapter minutes and standing rules, and chapter composites from years past.
67th Biennial Convention: 2006-2008 Winners: Gracious Living, Unhoused Chapter
==Highlights of 2011-2019:==
The Delta Beta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma thrived this year in academics, sisterhood, and philanthropy. This year we recorded the highest involvement in chapter events and meetings in recent history, and this commitment to the chapter and its women is evident in our outstanding class of new members. This dedication was also critical to the success of our local philanthropy event this fall: the fourth annual "5K for Camp K," or Camp Kaleidoscope-- a residential camp for terminally ill children. The women of Delta Beta recruited Duke students to participate in the race and support the philanthropy; as a result, the chapter raised $9,000 for Camp Kaleidoscope. Those funds--more than the chapter has ever raised--will send 25 children to camp this summer. The chapter was also highly involved in the national Kappa philanthropy of Reading Is Fundamental, and we had nearly all of our members volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Durham to support the organization. Kappas at Duke also volunteer in organizations such as Best Buddies, Camp Kesem (a camp for children with cancer in their families), and Duke Engage programs (international programs with a variety of service goals).
In addition to our philanthropic success, our chapter hosted weekly meetings in the house for the women of Delta Beta ("Kappa Keypsakes") to discuss personal experiences and struggles and further develop the support system within the chapter. During a chapter meeting this fall, our Vice President of Standards also led an open discussion about the alcohol culture at Duke and how to uphold our values and commitments in spite of social pressure. The new Kappa house on Duke's campus has been a wonderful opportunity for the sisters of Delta Beta to become an even more close-knit community. Beyond internal chapter activities, a member of Delta Beta--Hannah Hayward--actually served as the Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment, where she represented Kappa with leadership and grace. Finally, Delta Beta recognized the 81st anniversary of Founder''Philanthropy:'''s Day by celebrating both old and new traditions with alumni and active members.
In terms of challenges, our chapter faced a new struggle this year related to the new Kappa house; because the apartments have two single bedrooms and one double bedroom, our Standards Committee mediated several disagreements among roommates. The situations arose largely among sisters who either lived in a double and would have preferred a single or had living styles that were incompatible with those of their roommates. Standards sorted out these issues between roommates by arranging mutual agreements that allowed the members to compromise. Another issue that Delta Beta faces nearly every year is chapter attendance. While attendance has improved, some members (primarily seniors) missed more chapters than was acceptable. Council took a two-pronged approach to remedy this issue: first, the Standards Committee met with any women with incomplete attendance and sorted out the challenges they were facing. Second, the sisters began recognizing one member each chapter who had accomplished something that week by surprising her with a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. The positive energy this new tradition fosters has encouraged members to attend chapter whenever they can.
Regarding campus changes, 2012 was the first year since the 1950s that sororities had housing on Duke's campus. Duke granted each of the nine sororities their own house this year; the houses are all located together on Duke's Central Campus, and comprise a number of apartments located together in the same building. A combination of approximately forty sophomore and juniors lived in the Kappa house at 1915 Erwin Road. The building consisted of three bedroom, four bed apartments for the Kappas, in addition to an apartment with a Central Campus RA. Living together has helped even stronger bonds to emerge among the chapter and the individual pledge classes; additionally, living in close proximity to the other sororities has produced a more cohesive and supportive Panhellenic community.
