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Epsilon Nu

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{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Epsilon SigmaNu|GreekSymbol= EΣEN|Image= [[File:Epsilon_SigmaEpsilonNu_House.jpg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19761973|10|2313}}|College= [httphttps://www.virginiavanderbilt.edu/ Vanderbilt University of Virginia]|Location= CharlottesvilleNashville, VATN|Homepage= [httphttps://wwwvanderbilt.virginiakappa.eduorg/fsl/isc/kappakappagamma.html Epsilon Sigma Nu Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Sigma Epsilon_Nu Media related to Epsilon Sigma Nu Chapter]}}----'''Vanderbilt University of Virginia, founded in 1825 established 1873 in CharlottesvilleNashville, VirginiaTennessee''' 
'''Epsilon Sigma Nu founded October 2313, 1976 with 43 charter members - 10 Charter Members1973'''
'''1,879 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
'''1,292 initiates (as of June 2013)Charter members:'''Elizabeth Ramsay Bohner, Janet Mary Bowen, Victoria Leota Danforth, Ann Marie Deer, Rebecca Joan Dilcher, Ellen Virginia Freeman, Diane Harriet Goldey, Carolyn Elizabeth Kraft, Edith Caroline Nichols, Suzanne Rogacz, Elise Levereault Shaw, Mary Esther Stamp, Nancy Verne Wells, Catherine Martha Wilson, Mary Glenn Wilson.
==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==
Nashville, in the mid----Cumberland region, contains not only Vanderbilt University and Opryland, U.S.A., but also the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, and the world's only replica of the original Parthenon.
'''Charter Members:''' Robbin AtkinsonAs long ago as 1936, Andrea BartonRheva Ott Shryock, Joann BartonBeta Alpha- Pennsylvania, Sharon Biacheincluded in her extension report a recommendation that "...we should thoroughly familiarize ourselves with conditions at Vanderbilt University where the registration of women has been steadily increasing." However, Mary Bodie, Elizabeth Bracken, Mary Brown, Carol Burins, Joanne Canoles, Kimberly Christy, Carol Close, Katherine Cole, Katherine Duguid, Julia Etheridge, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Sheryl Gibson, Charlyn Hall, Mary Holahan in 1937 the Fraternity Proceedings contained a few discouraging words that no move would be taken at the present time for colonization at Vanderbilt.
By the time 1937 had become 1973, however, Kappa had installed a chapter in Nashville. The Fraternity had been petitioned by the Philean Society and University Chancellor Alexander Heard extended an invitation to Kappa to establish a chapter, the first National Panhellenic Conference group to be invited to the campus since 1954.
'''Some The Philean Society dated back only to February, 1972, when a group of Epsilon Sigma’s Outstanding Alumnaeabout five decided, after rush, that another club was needed. The Independent Women''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categoriess Association had folded and there was no social group available for unaffiliated women. The Philean Society began as a non-Greek social club, existed as an open group, please list them with and was encouraged by the date(s) of recognitiondean. By common consent, Carolyn Kraft was in charge.)
By March, the Phileans had been invited to become associate members of Panhellenic, which involved some organization on the part of the group. Carolyn Kraft was elected president, and everyone else became an officer. (Some became two officers.) The Panhellenic Council encouraged national affiliation and was very helpful.
In the fall of 1972, only nine were left to rush and four girls joined. All four became important officers later. This "baker'''Fraternity Officers:'''s dozen" won the APO Blood Drive for the second time, enjoyed the Homecoming buffet, had parties, and weekly dinner meetings. They realized that a decision must be made about national affiliation. By the time the final vote was taken the Phileans knew exactly what they wanted in a national fraternity and on April 1, 9173, the final vote was Kappa Kappa Gamma unanimously.
Elizabeth MeyerThe decision was given to the university. On July 1, Chapter Consultant 1978-1980; Talby Hardy (Brennan)the answer came from Kappa Headquarters that there would be a new chapter at Vanderbilt University. Epsilon Nu had the distinction of sharing its installation date, Field Secretary 1980-1982 October 13, 1973, with the anniversary of Kappa's Founders' Day. Gamma Pi was the installing chapter.
Installation took place at St. Augustine's chapel on the campus with the significance of the occasion heightened by the presence of two 50-year members, former Nashville residents, Margaret Aldrich Kruger, Xi- Adrian, and Mildred (Maude) Miner Fisher, Kappa- Hillsdale.
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipient:'''Alice Hardison Huffman, Gamma Delta- Purdue, was marshal. After installation, six girls were pledge in the chapter room of Branscomb Quadrangle.
At the installation banquet at Hillwood Country Club that night, Betty Pritchard Dunn, Delta Rho- Mississippi, wife of the governor of Tennessee, was among the guests. Lucile "Lucy" Blue Van Voorhoees, Delta Beta- Duke, was toastmistress. Lucy Ann Hughston, Gamma Pi president, offered a toast, and Rebecca Joan Dilcher, Epsilon Nu president, responded. Sally Moore Nitschke, Beta Nu- Ohio State, summarized greetings sent the new chapter, and after an interesting talk by the vice chancellor of Vanderbilt, Marian Schroeder Graham, Beta Phi- Montana State, Fraternity president, supervised the closing ritual.
The next day the Nashville Alumnae Association entertained in honor of the new chapter in Branscomb formal lounge. The charter members of Epsilon Nu presented Jean Hess Wells, Delta Upsilon- Georgia, director of chapters, with a fruitwood tray which had needlepoint under glass with EN, KKG, 1973 over a fleur de lis, done in blue and blue. Epsilon Nu was the eighth chapter which Jean Wells had helped to install.
At the 1974 Convention in Columbus, Deborah Dukes, Epsilon Nu's second president, enthusiastically told of her Kappa affiliation. Sarah Harris Rowe, Upsilon- Northwestern, Kappa's ranking president, looked on with pride as her granddaughter, (Sarah) Ann Kanaga, an Epsilon Nu pledge, spoke before the convention. Also in the audience was Rheva Shryock, a delighted member, who had had reason to believe 38 years earlier that Vanderbilt would be worth looking into as a site for a Kappa chapter.
==Highlights from the 1980'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''s==
Epsilon Nu in the 80’s worked very hard to be involved in campus and community philanthropic events. In 1985 they were selected as runner up for the Alexander Heard Award for the most Outstanding Sorority on campus. At the Nu Province Convention EN received Most Improved scholarship, Best advisory board relations, Honorable mention for chapter efficiency and the Miriam Locke Standards Award. Throughout the 80’s EN consistently pledged quota with outstanding women and worked to maintain high scholarship. In 1989 the chapter acted as hostess for the Province Meeting held in Nashville. They also received Best Chapter, Most Outstanding Scholarship and runner up for the Pledge Program. They were 3rd of 12 in scholarship from other sororities. The house was completely redecorated by the House Board this year.
==Highlights from the 1990'''Chapter Awards:'''s==
1980 In 1990 a new philanthropy, Kappanello replaced the Balloon Derby. With music on our lawn and Italian food for 800 people we raised $2,700 for Buddies of Nashville- Cultural Program the largest organizational donation ever received by this charity. We received Honorable Mention in Scholarship at the KKG Convention. New Panhellenic Council rush rules were implemented to increase the number of pledges. Kappanello continued to be the chapter philanthropy and each year raised more and more money for Buddies of Nashville. The Buddies for Nashville placed the EN philanthropy chairman on their board. In 1991 the kitchen and chapter room were redecorated. In 1992 the longtime housemother, Dot Reich, passed away. A previous housemother, Peggy Roberts, was able to take her place. EN was very active honor societies, Dean’s List, sports, student government and other campus groups. And in 1994 Kappa Meeghan O’Connor was Homecoming Queen. And EN received Honorable Mention for Outstanding House Board at KKG Convention in Atlanta. EN was involved with other groups on campus in an alcohol awareness group called GAMMA(Greeks advocating mature management of alcohol).
==Highlights from 2000-2011==
'''Additional Outstanding Epsilon Sigma Alumnae'''The 2000’s found EN with new philanthropies such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee having two events each year to support BBBS. Their Kappa Kappa Gala benefit raised $11,000 funding the Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship. And EN supported the KKG philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We are a very diverse chapter with women from 35 states plus England, Brazil and Taiwan. We are very active on campus and our scholarship is high among other groups. Our pledge classes are all quota and have high grade points. They integrate well to the chapter and become leaders. We strive for each of our members to complete 15 hours of community service and to attend RIF at least once each semester.
==Highlights of 2012==
Epsilon Nu began the year 2012 with a very successful recruitment by welcoming 49 new members to our chapter. The annual new member formal was held at a prestigious venue this year: Gaylord Springs Opryland. The new members all wore white and it was a fun and enjoyable evening for all! The new members wearing white distinguished their brand new status as Epsilon Nu Kappa Kappa Gammas.
Additionally, our philanthropy event, Sports-4-All, was held with the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Attendance was high and the event ran smoothly, despite the rainy weather! Sports-4-all is a field day event hosted specifically for disabled adults to keep them healthy and active and, of course, to have some fun outside with Kappas! Epsilon Nu also strives to foster and sustain a close-knit relationship with our professors here at Vanderbit University. Hilary Roberson planned a few successful professor dinners throughout the semester, in which any of the girls' could invite their favorite professor ovr to the Kappa house for dinner and good conversation. Upon our return to campus in late August, the whole chapter stood together with a big Kappa banner along the Founder's Day Walk route and welcomed the new class of 2016. In Septemeber, we affiliated one member, Madden Hodes, who transferred from Washingotn University. She was apart of the Gamma Iota chapter there and all the Epsilon Nu members here were ecstatic for Madden to join us. Madden will be joining chapter council for the 2013-2014 year, which is always very exciting!
---------------Next, in October, we had our annual GLOW date party at Club Indulge located in Downtown Nashville. It was a great venue and everyone had a blast in their neon glowing apparel! Out chapter here at Vanderbilt asks each member to complete 15 hours of community service and attend RIF at least once a semester. Epsilon Nu members are a integral part of the Nashville community and are becoming increasingly involved every year.
During the Fall semester, members of Epsilon Nu participated in many other community service events including in the fall. Some of these included our Holiday Reading Party for TAP and Trick-or-treat with Greek and Athletes. For the Holiday Reading Party, Kappa had 20 children over from the TAP program to participate in a speed reading competition, skit competition, dancing, and cookie decorating. Kappa also held a great charity bake sale called Kappachinos in order to raise money for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Our main philanthropic event, Kappa Kappa Gala, took place on November 1, 2012 in the Student Life Center. This event raises money not only for Sports-4-All, but more importantly, for the Jessica Heron Memorial Scholarship. Gala was a huge success this year and we were able to raise $3,614.35. In December we held or annual Kite and Key formal with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. This event took place at Oz in West Nashville. All in all, Epsilon Nu had a fantastic year of 2012 and we are definitely looking forward to making 2013 even better!
==Vanderbilt University has roughly under 7,000 undergraduates and about 6,000 graduate students. It was founded in 1873 and our 330-acre campus is located just a few miles from the center of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The University four undergraduate schools include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, the Peabody College, and the Blair School of Music. Vanderbilt has an 8 to 1 student to faculty ratio, enabling students to make the most of their time in the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations, 34 fraternities and sororities, in which about 42% of Virginia==the undergraduate population is involved. Zeta Tau Alpha, a brand new sorority on campus, is now one year old.
Chartered Our chapter here at Vanderbilt is named Epsilon Nu. It was founded on October 19, 1973 and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority was founded in 1819 by 1870 at Monmouth College. Initially, the General Assembly under first Epsilon Nu women were part of a local group, the sponsorship Phileans Society, on Vanderbilt's campus. In 1972, they voted to affiliate with a national organization. They petitioned Kappa Kappa Gamma on July 9th of Thomas Jefferson1972, and after inspection the invitation was officially accepted. Fifteen charter members were initiated to Epsilon Nu on October 13, 1973, officially beginning the Kappa Kappa Gamma legacy at Vanderbilt University of Virginia still bears . Kappa's flower is the imprint of Iris and its foundercolors are light blue and dark blue. Jefferson designed the buildings Our philanthropy is Big Brothers and campus, gathered the faculty Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee and shaped the organizationour benefit is Kappa Kappa Gala. The university was the most liberal institution of learning of its timeBesides being involved in Epsilon Nu's activites and events, with curriculum totally elective, no religious tests our members are also apart of practicesnumerous organizations on campus. Some include: Alternative Spring Break, faculty all equalsBest Buddies, Club Field Hockey and students under the honor systemThe Hustler. Many of We also have many varsity athletes from the ideas tennis, lacrosse, and soccer teams! The current number of administration members in Epsilon Nu is 186, including 137 active members and curriculum that dominate American universities today were anticipated by Jefferson49 new members.
The university opened to instruction in 1825, in the beautiful and traditional setting ==Highlights of Charlottesville with grounds occupying more than 1,500 acres of historical interest in Blue Ridge Mountain country. The Rotunda and its attached colonnades of student rooms interspersed with Federal style two-storied “pavilions” housing administrative officials front on the “lawn” and form the central focus of the campus. Small public gardens behind the residences, separated by serpentine brick walls and an outer row of student rooms on the “range” complete the setting.2014==
The past calendar year has proved as both an academic and involved year for the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Vanderbilt University. Of the 126 women that were active members (not on special status or abroad), 86 women achieved the Dean's List. Sisters achieved honors such as the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honors Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon, and Order of Omega Initiate. Beyond that recognition, awards that members received included the Israel Birthright Excel, OH Ingram Engineering Management scholarship, Panhellenic Scholarship Award, Who's Who in Vanderbilt Greek Life, 1st Place in 2014 Tennessee Engineering Conference Student Competition, and Nicols Humanitarian Fund Award.
The 2014 year kicked off with formal recruitment and then welcoming a new pledge class of new members. In the spring, we held our formal date party, while in the fall, we hosted our annual GLOW date party and cohosted Kite & Key with Kappa Alpha Theta. Throughout the year, we work to strengthen our faculty student relationship by continuing to host interactive professor luncheons and dinners. The sorority also held several special events to give back and raise money for our philanthropies: The Sports 4 All Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The sisters of Kappa held a field day for those with disabilities through The Sports 4 All Foundation. We also participated in the RIF sponsored, Read to Me Week to encourage literacy. Capture the flag at Derby Days gave us a chance to involve ourselves in Sigma Chi's philanthropic effort. In the fall, the sophomore pledge class also performed three dances at their annual Gala to raise money for our charities. At War of the Wings, Kappa again teamed up with the brothers of Sigma Chi and hosted a wing buffet from different restaurants across Nashville.
==Installation Over the past year, our chapter has laid out and accomplished several goals. First, we aimed to have our committees meet more frequently than they have in past years, as well as to delegate specific roles within each committee to allow for more members to take on responsibility. We achieved this goal over the course of Epsilon Sigma Chapter==the year. Another goal was to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our chapter meetings, which we accomplished by using a power point to keep the meetings focused and timely. We also increased the transparency and understanding of the budget using a power point presentation to the chapter. Finally, we focused on improving relations with both the Office of Greek Life and other sororities at Vanderbilt. Points may be awarded to girls for attending events and supporting other outside organizations, as a means to encourage community. We feel that we have accomplished this goal as well through joint programming, though we hope to continue improving it throughout the coming years.
Epsilon Sigma One of the major changes on campus is the stride towards creating Greek life unity as well as better faculty relations, and non-Greek relations. Many officers have attended workshops to develop a more inviting and considerate environment for everybody, including those not involved in Greek life. One recent effort we implemented this year was installed ensuring MLK day, which falls on October 23bid Monday, 1976was a dry holiday where we involved ourselves with the community. In years past, when 43 new members were initiated at bid Monday had distracted Greek life from the meaning and importance of this day to the University rest of Virginiaour community. Greeks attended seminars all over campus to learn more about this day and show our respect for everybody around us.
The installation headquarters for the weekend As mentioned before, one of our chapter goals was to improve relations with the Boar’s Head Inn, Ednam Forest, Charlottesville, Office of Greek Life and it was a gracious old Virginia setting providing rooms other sororities. By attending joint workshops and dining facilities. Friday evening service was held at the beautiful home of an alumnaother sorority events, with we can show our support in a large living room fun and double fireplacesinvolved way. Following the serviceOur Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Charlottesville alumnae gave an informal reception serving coffeeEpsilon Nu chapter has a very strong, punch unique sisterhood. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to each other and cookies want to all attending (about 120)spread those bonds. This was the first chance that many had We want to make friends encourage inclusivity, strengthening relations with the new members everybody and not just each other. Through continued involvement, we hope to meet the actives continue to move in this direction and alumnae attending give a good reflection of Greek life to those involved and assisting with the weekend eventsnot.
The Westminister Presbyterian Church offered perfect accommodations on Saturday for InstallationOur chapter meets weekly in the living area of the chapter house. Installing Each year 4 sisters among the officers were Jean Hess Wellslive in the house. It is a great opportunity to get girls more involved with the organization and nurture friendships. These girls live in our University owned house, Georgia, Fraternity President; Jane Lindsay Koke, Denison, Treasurer which has a common area that all sorority members are welcome in at any time of the day. Epsilon Nu did not have a house when it was first colonized and Sally Moore Nitschkethen formally installed in October 1973. At that time, Ohio State, Director the chapter was given a single room in the basement of MembershipBranscomb Quadrangle. The chapter was able to have some fall recruitment there but the freshman recruitment remained in St. Augustine’s Chapel for several years. The chapter’s second home was what is now the Cuninggim Women’s Center on historic West Side Row. We finally were able to build and open our lovely house in 1979.
The reception before Saturday evening’s banquet was held around an open fire at one end of the large banquet hall of Boar’s Head Inn, which easily accommodated the 158 guests attending. Flowers and candlelight gave a special atmosphere to the evening. Banquet chairman. Dale Brubeck, William & Mary, was a dynamic speaker for the evening; The William & Mary President offered a toast to the new chapter, and the Epsilon Sigma President responded. The President of the Charlottesville Alumnae greeted all with enthusiastic welcome. An award badge formerly belonging to an alumna was presented to the Fraternity President for presentation to the new chapter’s President.
A formal reception was held on a rainy Sunday afternoon at ==Highlights of 2015==Throughout the 2015 calendar year, the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma have continued to excel academically, support philathropic events, and strengthen the relationship between Greek members and the old Alumni Hall on rest of campus. With fire in Among the fireplacemany scholarships that sisters won were a Full Tuition Dean's Achievement Award, National Merit Scholarship, Vanderbilt Varsity Athletics Scholarship, Moeller Company Scholarship, Panhellenic Scholarship, CEA Academic Merit Scholarship, and the new Epsilon Sigmas Poarch Scholarship. Sisters also earned many honors and Fraternity officers met campus officials, awards including the Greek representativesNew Member of the Year, friends Order of Omega, Top 10 Outstanding Senior, MHS Honors Thesis Candidate, Academic Excellence in International Business, SEC Academic Honor Roll, Mortar Board Honors Society admission into the chapter, Society of Collegiate Leadership and many parents who had traveled from as far away as Connecticut to add their welcome to their daughter’s new chapterAchievement. Approximately 250 people attended. A model chapter meeting followed by a formal pledging ceremony for 10 new Finally, of the active members completed , 122 girls made the festivities. Dean's List after the Spring semester!
Other notable Kappas attending this important weekend for Lambda Province included Fran AlexanderIn addition to these honors and awards, the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma have gotten involved with various events and clubs on the Vanderbilt campus. A few of the outside groups and events that girls supported were Dance Marathon, DePauwthe Camp Kesem Vanderbilt Fall Benefit Concert, former Fraternity President; former Province Directors Ann HarterThe Afterschool Program, Syracuse; Jesse KirkLife to Love, North Dakota State; Ellen LawtherMoneythink, Maryland; Louise WiseVanderbilt Alternative Winter Break, Illinois; Martha FlattStudents Against Modern Slavery, Cincinnati; Polly BeallRelay For Life, George Washington; Field Secretaries Mary Flo Squires (Ridley)Nashville Dolphins, SMUNew York Cares, Animal Care and Jan Harenberg (Stockhoff)Control Center, Spoon University, VSVS, Project Bridges, New Mexico; Editor Society of Women Engineers Community Service, Tour Guides events, AIPAC Student Leader Dinner, Park Center South, and Manna Project International. The Keysisters also volunteered with our Kappa sponsored philanthropies, Diane SelbyReading is Fundamental, Ohio State; and Director of Communication for Fraternity HeadquartersPaso a Paso, Jean ElinSports 4 All, Ohio Stateand TAP.
The Spring semester began with formal recruitment, where the sisters welcomed a new pledge class of wonderful women to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. Soon after, the old chapter council welcomed a new team of sisters into their positions during turnover and we hosted our formal date party. The Spring wrapped up by wishing the seniors our the best as they graduated and entered a new chapter of their lives. The fall kicked off with Founders Walk as our sisters represented the chapter and cheered on the incoming Freshman class. Our chapter hosted our annual GLOW date party and as well as cohosted the annual Kite & Key date party with our fellow greek house, Kappa Alpha Theta. The newest pledge class also choreographed and performed 3 talented dances at the revamped Kappa Kappa Gamma Gala to benefit our philanthropies, RIF, Paso a Paso, and TAP.
==Campus Life Our sisters have been continually working to achieve our goal of strengthening relations with outside leaders and organizations. The chapter frequently hosts interactive professor luncheons and dinners in order to connect with our academic leaders and integrate them further with our chapter and Greek life as a whole. Another goal our chapter set was to connect the 1970s==chapter more and focus on realizing the potential and acomplishments of the women in our chapter. In order to connect our girls professionally, our chapter council created a history of internships and jobs for the girls to use for guidance and support in their own internship and job hunts. Additionally, our chapter created a shared google document detailing the classes that girls have taken with specific professors to help girls tailor their academic path at Vanderbilt to their specific interests and ensure valuable class experiences. Finally, our chapter created a separate document to share abroad experiences and advice to aid younger girls in making the huge decision of whether or where to study abroad. Last year, Greek organizations set the goal of improving relations between Greek life and other organizations. Panhellenic implemented a new point system with this goal in mind. All sisters are required now to attend a certain number of events in various categories. Through this system, our sisters have had the chance to be exposed to so many interesting and enlightening events with organizations all across campus. The point system encourages attendance to events, but sisters still select the specific event and organization that interests them to fulfill their point. The best way to improve relations with faculty and other organizations is through these genuine interactions and hopefully future collaborations! Each week our president sends an email out letting the house know of all the great events that will occuring on campus that week. As active and passionat women, the KKG ladies can take advantage of our power as Greek Women and support various causes on campus. Through the point system, continued awareness, and set goals, our girls continuously seek to strengthen our relationships and presence on campus and show our support for the many great events, causes, and organizations at Vanderbilt.
Student population at In light of recent diversity conversations both on the time of Epsilon Sigma’s founding was more than 14Vanderbilt campus as well as on college campuses nationally,000 with teacher population around 1,500. Prior our chapter has also set goals to 1970, female students were admitted only at strengthen and improve both the diversity amongst the graduate girls in our house and professional levelthe inclusivity felt by all members once welcomed into the house. By 1974Although our house has girls of vastly different backgrounds and experiences, 41 percent our chapter continually seeks to expand its horizons and absorb dynamic girls from all corners of the student population was femalecampus. These women were entering a strong fraternity systemDuring recruitment, with 35 chartered fraternities. As we pride ourselves on giving each girl who steps through the enrollment of women increased, the desire among women door a genuine chance and continually seek to form their own Greek-letter groups grewfind "hidden gems" or stand out girls who we had never met until recruitment. National Panhellenic Conference groups already on campus in 1976 included Zeta Tau AlphaChange begins through an open mind, Delta Delta Deltaconversation, Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Theta. Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was setting goals relating to the fifth national women’s fraternity to be installed at values that we seek in girls when shaping the University of Virginiapledge class that will join next Spring.
Sorority life was not, however, new to The Epsilon SigmaNu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Vanderbilt Universtiy has a very vibrant and loyal sisterhood. By Some of the words that sisters used to describe what the time of Installationhouse embodied were driven, authentic, supportive, sisterly, dynamic, compassionate, spunky, inspiring, motivated, the members had already existed as a group for a year and a halfenergetic. The university required that any sorority or fraternity must exist for a year as a local before it could petition a nationalmost frequently mentioned words, and accurately defining words, were passionate and caring. In April of 1975, seven young women had formed the local sorority Our Kappa Kappa Gammawomen are bright leaders, active supporters, dedicated scholars, with and wholeheartedly dedicated sisters. From the light we derive from the obvious intent of petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma for a charter at sisterly support and bonds found in the end house, our sisters spread their warmth, levity, and energy to all ends of campus. Aligning with our chapter goals, our year as house wishes to continue integrating and strengthening relations with non-Greek organizations and professors, and recruit to a localpledge class of genuine, inspiring, and passionate girls who will lead the generations to come.
During this year and a half, Where does your chapter hold chapter meetings? In the Kappa Gammas set traditions, planned community service projects and joined in campus activities including chapter owned or rented facility? In a clothing drive for a mental hospital and participation in the first Sigma Chi Derby Days. The group participated strongly in the InterSorority Council, helping to coordinate and execute the first formal rush on campus. Kappa Gammas were on the university field hockey and women’s lacrosse teamsowned facility, worked on both of the university newspapers, and, at the time of Installationhouse, Kappa Gamma led the sorority powder-puff football leaguedorm, holding the record for most points scored in a single game!lodge or classroom?
Until mid-October 1975, the local group concentrated its efforts on increasing membership. By that time, Our chapter meets weekly in the number had increased to 19. At Christmas time, they held a formal sit-down dinner, which they prepared themselves. For many living area of the men there, it was the first sorority party they had ever attended, and most were genuinely impressedchapter house. This event became an annual tradition, although as they grew in number, they were no longer able to do the cooking themselvesThe house is owned by Vanderbilt University.
The Kappa Gammas also began several other traditions including the “Outstanding Kappa” award—a silver bowl that was given by What is the seven original founders history of your chapter’s housing? Have your members had the local group as an installation gift. Another tradition opportunity to live together in any way? Does your chapter have a house, lodge, apartment or suite? If yes, is that each it chapter owned or rented, or university owned? How many sisters can live there? Has your chapter President leaves something owned or lived in the more than one house after her term of office. during its history?
Installation week was Each year officers live in the house. This integrated approach is a great opportunity to get girls more than just joining Kappa Kappa Gamma for these new members—it was involved with the culmination of a year’s work organization and a year’s waitnurture friendships. Helping to introduce Epsilon Sigma to the Fraternity was William & MaryThese girls live in our University owned house, which has a common area that all sorority members are welcome in at any time of the Big Sister Chapterday. Other Kappas came from During this past calendar year, the following chapters: Maryland, North Carolina, George Washington, house underwent an amazing redecoration to update and Tennesseepolish the look. The alumnae associations from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Roanoke, Baltimore, and Suburban Maryland were present as well. Each group gave house is styled in a warm welcome and the love more modern way while still remaining loyal to the newest members of Kappatraditional space that we were endowed with.
Kappa Kappa Gamma happily established Epsilon Sigma Chapter with Nu did not have a sense house when it was first colonized, but was formally installed in October 1973. At that time, the chapter was given a single room in the basement of Branscomb Quadrangle. The chapter was able to have some fall recruitment there but the freshman recruitment remained in St. Augustine’s Chapel for several years. The chapter’s second home was what is now the Cuninggim Women’s Center on historic celebration West Side Row. We finally were able to build and open our lovely house in the year 1979, where it has served as home to hundred of the American Bicentennial!women who have been lucky enough to pass through its doors.
==Highlights of 2016==
==Highlights Because Vanderbilt does spring recruitment, we always start our year by gaining a new pledge class. This year we had an incredible recruitment week, with exceptional feedback from all PNMs, and in the end we welcomed 42 fantastic new members. Our bid day theme was "girls on fire" and it was truly fitting for the firey, spunky, and warm new members. Shortly after, our executive council attended a panhellenic wide awards ceremony where we won the award for outstanding faculty engagement. Each semester we host two professor luncheons, and also invite a professor to chapter dinner once a month. These events are a wonderful way for our members to stay engaged with their professors and also get some very insightful advice for the multitude of the 1980s==wonderful professors at Vanderbilt.
Our greatest source of pride for Epsilon Sigma in 1985 was our involvement chapter finished the spring semester on a high note academically, ranking 5th overall in the initiation of the charter members greek community with a house GPA of Zeta Mu chapter at Virginia Tech3. Almost half of our chapter became big sisters for the charter members65. We are also proud of our campus had 122 members made the Dean's List and community activities 21 members with a 4.0, and the fact on top of all that we our new member pledge class had the second highest grade point average GPA of all pledge classes in the 16 sororities on campusgreek community. By Because of these high achievements we also received honorable mention for academic excellence at the mid-80s we had 85 active sistersKappa summer convention. Epsilon Sigma was one Also on the topic of three chapters receiving academic excellence, our graduating seniors left a Rehabilitation Grant from the Fraternitywonderful legacy with bright futures ahead of them. Many of them went on to prestigious graduate programs at schools like Northwestern and Georgetown, which while others went to support straight into the Charlottesville Rape Crisis Groupwork force landing jobs at big names companies like Google and Morgan Stanley.
We attended Province Meeting in MorgantownIn March we had our spring formal at the Hard Rock Café, WV which was a huge success. Also in the spring of 1987 bringing home a revitalized knowledge of ritual and renewed interest in the national Fraternity. Some semester two of our members attended the installation accepted huge leadership positions on campus. Ariana Fowler was elected student body President, and initiation of the Zeta Omicron chapter at the University of Richmond, serving Victoria Potter was selected as big sisters to the charter members. At the Biennial Convention in Boca Raton, Florida, we received Honorable Mention in chapter finance and a silver Revere bowl in honor president of the chapter with the best Cultural Programpanhellenic.
In support Our fall semester has been just as enjoyable and impressive. The sophomores organized their own philanthropy event, Kool off with Kappa, where they sold popsicles outside of new alcohol awareness programsthe student center and donated all of the proceeds to our local philanthropies. We also had our annual fall fundraiser, Kappa Kappa Gala, where we raised $2, a new service at UVA was started in 1988 called “Sorority Formal Swap500.” Two sororities are paired to work at each other's formal to insure there is no drinking During homecoming week we partnered with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and driving. It was a huge successhad some wonderful events with our alumni that came back for the weekend.
We have members involved in many campus activities such had two date parties this semester as Honor Educatorswell. First was Glow, Honor Advisershosted at Agenda nightclub, University Guides, Madison House Volunteers, theater productions, newspaper staff, intramural sports which was a super fun event where we all got to dress in neon costumes and morego crazy on the dancefloor. A challenge to increase participation was met We also had a combined fall formal with delegation, so everyone felt as though they had an important Kappa job, plus forming three teamsAlpha Theta that was a classy and elegant evening. We have also done some senior programming events this fall, including a free Pure Barre class graciously hosted by the owls, owner of the keysstudio, the fleur-di-lis getting points for your team each time you participated in a Vanderbilt Kappa activityalum.
We participate Annual Phone-A-Thons making calls to alumni around This fall we also hosted debate watching parties at the country to solicit donations house for the University. We also presented our portion of a grant awarded by the Fraternity last spring following our proposal girls to benefit watch the Charlottesville Rape debates and Crisis Group. We sponsor election results in a needy child from Brazil by raising funds through a Balloon Daycomforting and open environment. We now have Overall, 2016 has been a wonderful new house mother year for our chapter and through her efforts and those of the chapter we won the ISC's Clean House of the Month Award. We achieved our goal of “Renewed Respect” working on ritual respect, established the thought of the week to increase respect among the sisters, and pairing new ideas and respect for the old ideas are excited to achieve this goalsee what 2017 will bring.
In 1988-89 one of Over the last year our members, who is also Inter Sorority Council President, was selected as the most outstanding Greek woman, a coveted award at UVA. We raised chapter has become more than $1,000 involved in advocating for diversity and inclusion throughout the American Cancer Society with a two-night fundraiser, Kappa for Cancergreek community. We continue have made efforts to work with attend multiple events hosted by the Barrett Day Care CenterNAACP to participate in discussions about affirmative actions and the true meaning behind some of our nations symbols. Our members feel strongly that the greek community, and especially Kappa, should be a non-profit center place for underprivileged children. Our lasagna dinner raised funds everyone to continue to support our child in Brazil as well as the American Heart Associationfeel welcome, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, or background.
One of the most exciting things The Vanderbilt community overall is making strides toward change, and our chapter did as the decade comes to a close was the involvement in the initiation and installation of the charter members of Zeta Tau chapter at Washington and Lee. Our chapter was chosen is trying to be their big sister chapter. In addition to becoming more as involved in those changes as possible. We invited Dean Hill, the community Dean of Diversity and campus lifeInclusion, we have become more involved to speak with other sororities with exchange dinners us during chapter dinner and with fraternities with mixers, allowing us to get to I know a lot that many of new people. We hosted a Mardi Gras dinner our sisters attended and found the discussion to raise funds for the child we sponsor through the Christian Children's Fund, held four parties at the Barrett Day Care Center. We also played bingo at a nursing home be engaging and painted cartoon characters on the walls of the Kluge Rehabilitation Centerhelpful.
Our chapter supports two local philanthropies, Paso a Paso and The Afterschool Program. Both are mentoring programs for at risk youth in the Nashville community. Paso a Paso was started by one of our own Epsilon Nu alumni. Also, many of our sisters volunteer weekly with The After School program in addition to chapter sponsored events for the program. Additionally, each member is required to complete 15 individual hours of community service each year. We have also organized multiple trips to the Children's Hospital to volunteer cleaning toys, as well as trips to help out the Nashville Food Project.
'''Housing:''' Paso a Paso was started by one of our very own Epsilon Nu members. She is a recent alumna but the chapter continues to support her organization. The After School program is a program that many of our members were already involved in before we took them on as our local philanthropy. Our members have built strong relationships with the students and enjoy making a difference in their lives each week.
The We have our weekly chapter meetings in the living room of our house is located at 503 Rugby Road, nicknamed on campus. The Kappa Palacehouse was just renovated during the summer of 2015 and looks wonderful.
==Highlights of 2017==
In 2017, Epsilon Nu won the “Most Improved Chapter Award” for Vanderbilt Panhellenic sororities. Our members continue to be super involved on campus, and we have many members that are on the executive board of other organizations! Our sisters do a wide variety of activities together and you can feel just how strong the bonds are.
'''Philanthropy:'''
The Billy Hill Race, an annual relay race in Charlottesville to benefit the National Heart Association, a Yard Sale to benefit the Billy Hill Race, Annual Phone-a-Thons to raise funds for the University, sponsoring a foreign child, Kappa for Cancer fundraiser, [[File:Epsilon Nu Sunshine Boxes.jpg|thumb|Epsilon Nu members and participating in other groups' philanthropies.their "sunshine box" program (Fall 2017)]]
As a chapter we donate hours to Book ‘Em, which is an organization that gives books to underprivileged children and spreads the joys of reading and learning. Our chapter volunteers there frequently by helping to sort books, setting up for events, and reading at schools to children! Our chapter also volunteers at TAP, or The After School Program, where our members serve as school tutors to children in underprivileged areas. We help to motivate students and make sure that they are getting the educational help that they need. Many of our members have created strong bonds with the children in TAP, so it is very special organization to Epsilon Nu! During Halloween we trick-or-treated with many of the TAP students around Greek Row to show them our support! In the fall we have our annual philanthropy event called Kappa Kappa Gala, where we raise money for Reading is Fundamental. This year we had a record number of ticket sales and money raised for this wonderful organization. We believe in the power of education and empowering young kids to explore and learn more about their world. We chose Book ‘Em and TAP because it is important to try and make an impact and a change in your local community. We want to make sure we are giving back to the community that gives so much to us!
We also created "sunshine boxes" to give away at the beginning of the fall semester. Each box contained smiley-face stickers, candy, bubble toys, and personal notes from Kappas, and they were given to students who exemplify positivity. Our chapter President even donated her Jessica Herron chapter scholarship award to help fund the boxes. Epsilon Nu was featured in the Spring 2018 edition of ''The Key'Chapter Convention Awards''':for this program.
1988[[File: At the Biennial Convention in Boca Raton, FlaEpsilon Nu Chapter House., we received honorable mention in Finance and won a silver Revere bowl in recognition for the best Cultural Programjpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0|alt=A|Epsilon Nu Chapter House]]
==Highlights of the 1990s==
The year 1990 began with the pledging of 36 new members and our involvement on campus grew every year. We are represented in all aspects of life at UVA; sports, Madison House, University Guides, Honor Advisers, Honor Educators, etc.
Our GPA increased from 3.2 in 1990 to 3.27 in 1991, with more than one third of our girls with Here is a GPA picture of 3.4 or above. the Epsilon Nu chapter house! We regularly further typically hold chapter in the Greek system interaction by participating in exchange dinners with downstairs living room and many other sororities. At Convention meetings in 1994 we received first place for our Cultural Programthe upstairs living room, and honorable mention for Excellence and Membership Selectionwhich is known as the “Tundra."
At Convention is Dallas in 1990, our president accepted awards for Epsilon Sigma, honorable mentions for service and philanthropies. We have seven girls from the Junior class who received Intermediate Honors for having a 3.4 or better GPA. We have started a “Best Buddies” program that connects a volunteer with a mentally or physically handicapped adult. Our alumnae have been active with us, sponsoring a Belgian Waffle Breakfast at the house, attending an area barbecue we held for their families, celebrating the 120th anniversary ==Highlights of Kappa with us at Founders Day. 2018==
We hosted our Fraternity President, Kay Larson, at As a University-wide event called Collaboration Virginia. All Greek organizations and their national representatives met with administration and alumnichapter, generating many ideas we strive to strengthen Greek organizations. We held a desert party be continually involved in the Vanderbilt community and continue our great fundraising events for Mrsour philanthropies. LarsonOur annual event, Kappa Kappa Gala, followed by raised a candlelight tour significant amount of campusmoney for Reading is Fundamental and TAP. At Province Meeting Academically we won received one of the Philanthropy award and second place for Scholarship. In addition to service, we excelled highest house GPAs in athletics, winning the intramural championship for lacrosse and field hockeyPanhellenic.
A new Our chapter is very involved in the campus community, and extremely rewarding project many of our members hold leadership positions in 1991 was adopting a family other organizations. The overall nature of 11 for ChristmasEpsilon Nu is energetic and involved. We divided into groupsEach member is committed to Kappa, but also is excited to share their other passions with each group responsible for providing gifts and necessities for each child and their grandmother. We plan to make this a traditionsisters.
In 1993 Along with Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, our formal living room was redecorated by the House Board to bring us into the 1990'schapter raises money and volunteers at The After School Program or TAP. Despite one of TAP is a tutoring program for students in the coldest and longest winters in Charlottesville in years, we had a successful Rushlocal Nashville area. Icy weather caused us to cancel Vanderbilt students meet with these Nashville students a round, but we welcomed 37 new Kappas. We enjoyed couple times a mixer week to help them with a new sorority on campus, Gamma Phi Betatheir school work and encourage their academic curiosity.
At Convention We believe in Atlanta in 1994 we won three awards: The Cultural Award, honorable mention for Excellence in Membership Selection, the power of education and recognition to understand the Founders Circle for completing at least 90% importance of child literacy. Many students in the Challenge Nashville area struggle to Excellence. In 1995, after a successful Spring rush which welcomed 32 new membersreceive good education,so we faced the experience of Fall rush, a new and positive move for UVA sororities. We welcomed another 29 pledges. Both 1995 pledge classes began their Kappa journey with second, third and fourth year “buddy” weeks prior want to give back to Big Sister week, which allowed the entire chapter community that has given so much to interact. We participated in Sigma Chi Derby Days which raised funds for the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center and the Children's Miracle Network. We continued our efforts with Barrett Day Care Center with Easter and Halloween events and raised money for Hands Against Hunger at Christmasus.  
Our sisters are involved almost every organization on campus and volunteering is a major aspect ==Highlights of Kappa life. Always very involved in academics with many sisters receiving high honors, during the 1997-98 year one of our seniors was chosen to live on the Lawn, one of UVA's highest honors. For the first time in three years we held a Spring Rush welcoming 31 new members. We had one of the best parent's weekends with dinner and dancing at the Boar's Head Inn, a tailgate at the UVA/Duke game, golf for the Dads, making it a huge success. At Christmas we had an “Angel Tree” to benefit underprivileged Chrlottesville children.2019==
In November 1998 we put on our first 2019, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Epsilon Nu chapter at Vanderbilt University grew as both a sisterhood and a liaison to the Vanderbilt and Nashville greater community. Our annual philanthropy event, Kappa Kappa Gala raised $6000, the most money in our chapter’s history, for Cancer flag football tournamentReading is Fundamental, our national philanthropy, with students competing against each other in a day full of different flag football gamesand TAP, our local philanthropy. The Our sisters donated books and money earned went to as well as our time through the American Cancer Societycommunity. We continue our annual Halloween Three days a week, sisters spent time tutoring and Easter parties with mentoring children at in public schools in Nashville. Our Kappa Kookout in the Barrett Day Care Centerspring raised over $4000 for our philanthropies. Again we had an “Angel Tree” at Christmas and another dinner-dance at This January, the Boar's Head Inn and tailgate before Epsilon Nu chapter welcomed 39 new members to our chapter. We could not have gotten this amazing new member class without the UVA/UNC game for Parent's Weekendhard work of recruitment chair Dana Rowe. Spring Rush brought us 24 To celebrate our incredible new sisters who were wowed with pledge class, our performance of “Annie” which Bid Day theme was a huge hitKappa Wonderland. We had so much fun on Bid Day celebrating and dancing with our new member class! Our preference party was held hardworking and intelligent sisters had one of the highest average GPAs in the Dome Room Vanderbilt Panhellenic community. We are so proud of the Rotunda with our sisterhood, involvements, and academics and strive to continue our legacy as a very inspiring ceremonychapter.
In 1999 we held our 2nd annual Flag Football tournament, Kappa for Cancer and volunteered at a Haunted House downtown on Halloween, where Kappas dressed up and painted faces and handed out goodies to local children. One ==Highlights of our sisters ran in the Chicago Marathon. We again supported “Angel Tree” at Christmas in conjunction with the Salvation Army. Parent's Weekend was a success held again at the Boar's Head Inn and a tailgate before the UVA/Duke game. Speakers came to educate the chapter on AIDS and STD awareness, sexual assault, alcohol and drug awareness and self-defense.2020:==
Our chapter was given the House Board award and we were noted as honorable mention for the Academic Excellence award. We had one member receive the Epsilon Nu merit-based scholarship this year. We also conducted a virtual initiation during the Spring 2020 semester as one of the first chapters in Kappa to ever do so. We were unable to have in-person chapters, but our house has been opened for people to hang out in small, socially-distanced groups upon request.
'''Convention Awards[[File:''' Epsilon Nu Badge Presentation Ceremony.png|thumb|Epsilon Nu Badge Presentation Ceremony]]
1990: At Convention is Dallas'''Diversity, our president accepted awards for honorable mentions for service and philanthropies;1994: At Convention in Atlanta we won three awards: The Cultural Award, honorable mention for Excellence in Membership SelectionEquity, and recognition to the Founders Circle for completing at least 90% of the Challenge to Excellence.Inclusion'''
The chapter created a list of action items moving forward with recruitment this year to ensure we are more inclusive and open to as many new ideas as possible. These action items ranged from financial inclusivity, diversity and inclusion measures, as well as many other items to move our chapter toward a more socially inclusive environment. We added an official DEI officer and posted awareness of our actions and steps moving forward through social media campaigns.
'''Philanthropy:'''
==Highlights ​Epsilon Nu supports Book’em, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, as well as The After School Program. ​Our chapter has supported these three organizations for several years now. The After School Program and Book’em encourage children in the Nashville area to independently read and work hard in school. Our chapter is highly encouraging of 2000-2010==raising the literacy rates in Nashville Metro areas, and we work with these two organizations to do exactly that. Also, we support the KKG Foundation to support our sisters in times of need.
In Feb. 2005 we were recognized as raising the most money for Dance Marathon. Our Kappa Kicks Cancer philanthropy is one of our most successful, this year donating to the American Cancer Society division in New Orleans. Several of our members are from New Orleans so that makes this special.'''Sesquicentennial Celebration'''
We continue Our chapter celebrated Kappa’s 150th anniversary at Trish Smith’s house. Since the pandemic put a damper on things, many people were unable to work on our Chapter Action Plan attend, but the women who did went through a safe, socially-distanced badge presentation ceremony (also held at Trish’s house) and implement celebrated the items on our focus letter, by updating our ByLaws anniversary through tradition and working on our ritual, attendance, etc. Our ISC representative has been a part of a campus discussion on transferring to Panhellenicwith members old and new.
A Founders Day celebration was held Nov. 5 , 2006 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Epsilon Sigma with a special brunch attended by many alumnae and founding members. As part of our Action Plan to educate members, the Archives in a Box from Headquarters was on display for a week. In the Fall we welcomed two transfers from Eta and Beta Delta chapters in Wisconsin and Michigan. In 2009 we welcomed 38 new members and proudly met the terms of our focus letter.We had two visits from the Leadership Consultant in the Spring and again in the Fall who helped us improve our chapter. We worked closely with ISC and IFC to improve our alcohol policies and met our risk management standards. Twelve of our members took part in the 3-day Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Washington, D.C., wearing Kappa t-shirts and raised $30,000.--------------
At the end ==Highlights of 2009, our seniors won the Greek Giving Campaign with all members pledging to donate money to the University. In the Fall members enjoyed a day of apple-picking on nearby Carter Mountain, and our Parent's Weekend formal at Boar's Head Inn was a success. Our flag football philanthropy, Kappa Kickoff, raised more than $3,000 which was donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of the sisters who participated in the 3-day walk.2021:==
2021 has been a truly transformative year for the Epsilon Nu chapter. As a result of the Abolish Greek Life movement on campus, our chapter lost many of our crucial members. However, rising to the occasion, Interim-President Maddie Souza and President Alexa Mora, with the help of their Chapter Council, took on many responsibilities to ensure the future of KKG at Vanderbilt. Without them or the dedicated members of the Nashville Alumnae Association, we could not have accomplished all that we did in 2021 or the years to follow.
  ==Highlights of 2011–2019[[File:==  ==2012== 2012 was an extremely successful and busy year for Epsilon Sigma! Returning from winter break, the chapter fulfilled recruitment with a wonderful and positive attitude despite the tragedy of losing a 2009 Epsilon Sigma alum, Sydney Owens. Sydney’s death was hard on many current chapter members and alumna, yet Epsilon Sigma proved a support system for all.  After receiving excellent return rates, we welcomed 38 new members to our chapter. We changed our process for big and little sisters to mutual selection, allowing for weeks of bonding activities between the first and second year new member classes. This change led to diverse interactions and friendships between the two grades. In February, we raised the most money of any sorority for Dance Marathon, the largest philanthropy at the University of Virginia that supports the UVa Children’s Hospital.  Initiating the new members in early March, Epsilon Sigma received the return of many alumnae, especially mothers and sisters to the girls in the new member class. Initiation allowed for Epsilon Sigma to work on our ritual, something we have been working to improve. We held many practices to help, which proved successful in solidifying our chapter’s ritual.  After returning from Spring Break, Epsilon Sigma geared up for sisterhood events and philanthropies. We hosted a key drive for the Keys for Hope Foundation, which raises money off of recycled keys. Collecting over 60 pounds of keys, Epsilon Sigma donated the money to the Sydney Owens’ Scholarship Foundation. Furthermore, we held another philanthropy, Tug for the Town, which supported the Charlottesville Free Clinic as well as the Sydney Owens’ Scholarship Foundation. In conjunction with Beta Theta Pi, this philanthropy saw the involvement of over 200 students, both non-Greek and Greek. As the semester came to a close, and we said goodbye to the graduates, we held a sisterhood event “Zumba in the Garden”.  A recent goal of our chapter has been to increase sisterhood events, and this was a great start! As the graduates said goodbye to UVa, we celebrated their presence in Kappa by presenting surprise letters and slideshows from their parents. Returning on grounds in the fall, Epsilon Sigma Chapter Council worked diligently to revamp Standards and Risk Management, especially concerning their involvement with social events. Although it was a challenging process, Chapter Council expertly gained support from the entire chapter through transparency.  September marked our annual philanthropy with Kappa Sigma, Kappa Kickoff. Raising money for Reading is Fundamental and the American Heart Association, Epsilon Sigma was able to honor both our national philanthropy and a philanthropy that is personal to a current member. In September we also sent one member of the Epsilon Sigma 2012 class, Haya Yaish, to the Kappa Leadership Academy. Haya was able to expand the Epsilon Sigma network, and brought back a lot of ideas for our chapter.  Again welcoming recent alumna back to Epsilon Sigma, current members and recent alumna helped to organize a charity concert for the Sydney Owens’ Scholarship Foundation. In remembering a dedicated and loved member of Epsilon Sigma, this event helped to again provide a support system for all levels of the chapter. As the weather chilled, many current members in various new member classes ran the Color Run, which supported Hands On Greater Richmond, which helps to organize volunteers in Richmond. Following, Epsilon Sigma held our elections. Utilizing new technology with electronic clickers, the process was streamlined, which helped to make elections run all the more smoothly.  At this time, Epsilon Sigma also welcomed the presence of Britt Nelson, a leadership consultant. Britt was wonderful to help the newly elected members of Chapter Council as well as offer general council, especially concerning ritual, which we have continued to improve. As 2012 came to a close, we held a sisterhood Thanksgiving Potluck, allowing the entire chapter to socialize before preparing for exams. Lastly, tragedy struck the entire Greek community, as a much-loved member of Alpha Phi passed away while on Semester at Sea with members of Epsilon Sigma. This experience personally affected many members of our chapter, yet first and foremost they all hoped to support Alpha Phi, and we did so with letters of condolences and home cooked meals. Despite the pressure of exams, the entire Greek community was able to rally to honor such a wonderful spirit of the Greek community.  The Greek community made large efforts in the last year to strengthen its ties not only with the wider UVa community but also the Charlottesville community. Furthermore, the Inter-Sorority Council (ISC) reworked their judiciary system and bylaws in the spring of 2012, thereby creating a clearer wording of their punishments and guidelines. The Inter-Sorority Council came to each chapter to answer any questions concerning these rules.  As ever, Epsilon Sigma is a tight-knit sisterhood with bright, diverse, and spirited members. In tendency with the rest of the Greek community at UVa, which has a higher average GPA than the UVa-wide average, Epsilon Sigma has incredibly hardworking students. We have held our stance as one of the top average GPAs in the Greek community. Furthermore, Epsilon Sigma has benefited greatly from the diverse array of organizations that our members are involved with outside of the Greek community. In this manner, the Epsilon Sigma has a presence not only in the Greek sphere, but also the entire UVa and Charlottesville community.  Our increased dedication to philanthropies around grounds is evidence of this presence. Furthermore, members of Epsilon Sigma have been increasingly dedicated to our chapter and to Kappa nationally. Leadership on Chapter Council helped to solidify these bonds through information presented on Kappa nationals and the Kappa foundation to all membersEN 2021 1. The work of jpg|thumb|Epsilon Sigma to reach out to local alumna shows the outward view that Epsilon Sigma has taken concerning the benefits and abilities of Kappa. We hope to maintain our wonderful membership in the future that help benefit Epsilon Sigma, UVa, and Kappa.    ==Highlights of 2020s:== (To be filled out by the chapter Registrar.) Highlights (scholarship, group honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):Nu 2021]]
'''Philanthropy:'''
In support of the Fraternity's new mental health initiative, we developed a new philanthropic partnership this year. We decided to work with Ac3ve Minds at Vanderbilt, our local chapter of the nationwide organization that seeks to decrease stigma and raise awareness surrounding mental health on college campuses. To accumulate support for Active Minds, we hosted our annual Kappa Gala. Gathering members of the Vanderbilt community, sisters performed three different choreographed dances, shared presentations from Ac3ve Minds, and also hosted a guest performer from Belmont! Thanks to all of those who donated, we were able to raise $3,000 dollars for Active Minds.
'''Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion'''
'''Housing:''' After installing an official DEI officer in 2020, we pushed our initiatives to become a more inclusive and diverse chapter even further in 2021. We added a DEI committee where both active and new members worked with our officer to develop individualized DEI immersion projects. We also engaged in introductory IGNITE VU diversity training and attended immersive speaker events. In fact, during one chapter meeting we were lucky to host Princeton History Professor Kevin Kruse for a Civil Rights History Discussion and Q&A over Zoom.
'''Convention Awards[[File:EN 2022 2.jpg|thumb|Epsilon Nu Valentine''' s Day 2021]]
'''Operating in a Pandemic'''
During a year that brought unprecedented challenges, we navigated a recruitment process entirely online, but were able to welcome an amazing class of new women and establish strong sisterhood. However, we also found ways to connect in person while maintaining safe distance. On Valentine's Day, the Nashville Alumnae Association dropped off goody bags filled with owl cookies and candy for all of the new members, welcoming them to Kappa and had treats for the active members too! When regulations changed in the fall, we held a Professional Development Day where members could take headshots and sit in on a LinkedIn workshop. With the lifting of social distancing we were also able to attend football games, welcome 4 new members through an in-person COB recruitment process, and hold our annual fall formal: Kappa Glow!
-------------------------------'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of ''The Key'' to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!
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