Zeta Kappa
| Zeta Kappa | |
|---|---|
| ZK | |
 | |
| Founded | April 30, 1983 |
| College | Bowling Green State University |
| Location | Bowling Green, OH |
| Homepage | Zeta Kappa Homepage |
| Media related to Zeta Kappa Chapter | |
Bowling Green University was established in 1910, Bowling Green, Ohio
Founded April 30, 1983
1057 initiates (as of June 2018)
Charter Members: RoseMarie Ackerman, Sandra Amos, Melissa Aschenbach, Pamela Baran, Patricia Barracato, Jennifer Bergan, Linda Birkenberger, Jennifer Booth, Siobhan Campbell, Jill Castanien, Kirstin Coulter, Jane Crow, Beth Crutcher, Anne Dabbelt, Connie DelVecchio, Susan Dufek, Kimberly Esgro, Aimee Felder, Sharon Graven, Susan Hatheway, Julie Harris, Kelley Hecky, Ann Hof, Judy Homa, Sandra Ireland, Nancy Jimenez, Karen Kettering, Diane Kragt, Roberta Lee, Cynthia Leopold, Sarah Leupp, Elizabeth Macy, Mary Madormo, Linda Martens, Maria Mauric, Sue McHugh, Arleen Meier, Marianne Miele, Kimberly Moore, Heidi Moorma, Judith Myers, Marlene Norris, Linda Olenick, Claudia Onopiak, Janet Pavasko, Lydia Perez, Holly Preston, Susan Rahrig, Lisa Ramler, Debbie Rees, Elizabeth Rolfe, Tammy Salem, Elizabeth Santner, Christine Schetter, Christi Skinner, Karen Sukert, Judith Teach, Deborah Yonders
Fraternity Council Officers:
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Contents
The Early Years - 1980s[edit]
Zeta Kappa was founded on April 30, 1983 with 58 charter members. Pamela Anthrop, ΓΔ – Purdue and Josette Baxter, EH – Auburn served as Chapter Consultants in the early years.
In 1987, Zeta Kappa received several awards recognizing high GPAs for pledges as well as the whole chapter. They also learned that recent graduate Beth Perry was named chapter consultant for Epsilon Zeta chapter at Florida State University. This was quite an honor for such a young chapter. A record number of women went through rush this year, and it proved to be very successful for Zeta Kappa as well. Bowling Green announced plans to add another sorority.
In 1989, Zeta Kappa hosted their first Province Meeting with the Toledo Alumnae Association and welcomed alumnae and active members of Gamma Province as well as Traveling Consultants and Panhellenic delegates. Their members continued to be active on campus and involved in many organizations besides Kappa. They were honored to receive the Dean’s Scholarship Trophy for highest chapter GPA at the Spring Scholarship Desserts. They welcomed forty-two pledges in the fall who held a very successful fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation.
Highlights of the 1990’s[edit]
The 1990’s saw several more years of exceptional academics at Zeta Kappa, and they were proud to be recognized by the university. Several members participated in the Miss BGSU Pageant and Homecoming Court. They remained active on campus and contributed hundreds of hours of community service. The Greek Olympiad was their big annual event that raised hundreds of dollars each year for the Bowling Green Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.
The Bowling Green Panhellenic community saw a steady decline in rush numbers through the 90’s. Zeta Kappa also noted an overall decline in scholastic achievement and accumulative GPA’s. Despite these struggles, the chapter was recognized for excellent chapter standards at Bowling Green as well as the Kappa convention. By 1996, rush numbers began to increase again after several years of decreases.
Highlights of the 2000’s[edit]
Zeta Kappa continued their strong focus on philanthropy in the 2000’s and started new events like Kappa Classic Golf Philanthropy, Kappa 5K, and Kappacinos. In addition to supporting their local organization, Kappa Kidney Camp, they also held fundraisers and book drives for Kappa’s national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental.
In 2004, Ohio Governor Bob Taft recognized the chapter for helping to improve the reading skills of Ohio's youngest students through dedication and service to Ohio Reads, an organization that promotes literacy among youth. They also organized a Cancer Awareness Spaghetti Dinner in support of sister Kate Doney who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008.
In the 2010’s, the Greek community finally began to experience growth once again. The university started the Greek Housing Project to build townhouse-style complexes for all fraternities and sororities. Zeta Kappa was moved to a temporary dorm in fall 2014 and shared the space with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi until their new home was ready in 2016.
Highlights of 2011[edit]
The year 2011 was a very successful year for the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We started the year out with a great turn out at our spring recruitment. We initiated three new girls who have helped make our chapter stronger through their dedication, involvement, and willingness to take leadership roles, and really step up to make our chapter even better.
In the spring we participated in the annual Dance Marathon fundraiser. Seventeen of our member were dancers, eight were moralers, and seven were bikers who helped raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. In March, we held our annual parent's weekend, which allowed all of our members' parents and closest loved ones to come and see what our chapter is all about. It is a great way for us to let our families see what our chapter is all about by displaying a slide show of our year's achievements and events.
During that weekend we also announced awards our chapter and members have received throughout the academic year. During 2011, our chapter sponsored two philanthropies. In the spring we held Fleur-de-lis Frisbee, where we raised 100 dollars for Kappa Kidney Camp. In February we did a fundraiser called Kappachinos where we raised 120 dollars, that also went to Kappa Kidney Camp. We stood on campus selling hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies. In the fall, during Panhellenic formal recruitment, we were able to recruit 15 young women who have proven to be a great addition to our chapter. Our chapter was very proud to have 20 members on Dean's list and a 3.2013 GPA in the spring and 24 on Dean's list in the fall with a 3.14 GPA. In total, our chapter completed 1,522 service hours. The Zeta Kappa Chapter has achieved a great amount of success in the year 2011, and will strive to continue the excellence in all the years to come.
Campus: Bowling Green State University is a flat campus with a lot of character. We recently added two new resident halls to campus, as well as the Stroh Center, which is a new basketball arena and the Wolfe Center, which is a fine arts building. Along with two new dining halls. Campus keeps growing each year. The campus itself is relatively small with a student body close to twenty thousand students. Bowling Green State University has a very friendly atmosphere, with a strong Greek community.
Chapter: The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with emphasis on sisterhood. We try to build sisterhood with other chapters on campus. For example, we have invited chapters over to watch movies, play games, and eat dinner with us. Our chapter house is another aspect we take pride in. The house looks like a rectangular dormitory; however it is so much more than that. It is a place for our sisters to come and feel like they are at home. We have a family room, a formal room, a computer lab, a study, and a kitchen. All of these rooms contribute to the overall feeling of a real home away from home. Our house, values, and members all contribute to who we are as a chapter and how strong our chapter has become.
One of our biggest challenges we faced in the beginning of the fall semester was respect for one another. We all worked very hard to get back on the right track and gain respect back for ourselves, each other, and Kappa as a whole. Another challenge we faced in the previous year was raising money for our philanthropies. We didn't donate as much as we had in past years and not as many members actually attended Kappa Kidney Camp. We improved this greatly by having Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese this fall, the money raised will be given to Kappa Kidney Camp for this coming summer. Also, we didn't donate any money to our second philanthropy Reading is Fundamental (RIF). We are in the process of formulating a plan to become more involved with RIF. Our cumulative GPA for the year 2011 was 3.12, we strive for 3.14. We plan to keep raising our GPA each year through hard work and dedication.
Highlights of 2012[edit]
The year 2012 was a very successful year for the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In the spring we participated in the annual Dance Marathon fundraiser. Four of our members were dancers, six were moralers, seven were bikers, and two were on the core committee for the event, which helped raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
In February, we held our annual parent’s weekend, which allowed all of our members’ loved ones to come and see what our chapter is all about. During that weekend we also announced awards our chapter and members have received through out the academic year. During 2012, our chapter sponsored four philanthropies. In the spring we held a special philanthropy for one of our sisters who was seriously injured in a car accident over winter break. Through Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese, where we stood in downtown Bowling Green and sold grilled cheese, tomato soup, and Kool-Aid, we raised 1,100 dollars for our sister and her family to help ease the pain of the medical bills that they were receiving.
We also held another Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese in the spring and raised 1200 dollars for Kappa Kidney Kamp. In the fall, we held a fundraiser called Kappuccino’s, where we stood on campus and sold coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies, in which we raised 375 dollars and we held another Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese where we raised 1000 dollars, both for Kappa Kidney Kamp.
In the fall, during Panhellenic formal recruitment, we were able to recruit 25 young women who have proven to be a great addition to our chapter. Our chapter was very proud to have 13 members on dean’s list and an overall GPA of 3.18 in the spring. In the fall our chapter had 13 members on dean’s list and an overall GPA of 3.15. In total, our chapter completed 2100 service hours. The Zeta Kappa Chapter has achieved a great amount of success in the year 2012, and will strive to continue the excellence in all the years to come.
Bowling Green State University is a flat campus with a lot of character. The campus itself is relatively small, with a student body close to twenty thousand students. The university has recently announced that it will begin construction on a new greek housing community in the summer of 2014. This will be a huge, but welcomed, change for our chapter and other chapters on campus. Right now, the university is planning on making all of the greek houses the same, as they are not at this time. We believe that this will help with making recruitment fairer and build the greek community as a whole.
The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with emphasis on sisterhood. We try to build sisterhood with other chapters on campus. For example, we have invited chapters over to watch movies, play games, and eat dinner with us. Our chapter house is another aspect that we take pride in. The house looks like a rectangular dormitory; however it is so much more than that. It is a place for our sisters to come and feel like they are at home. We have a family room, a formal room, a computer lab, a study, and a kitchen. All of these rooms contribute to the overall feeling of a real home away from home. Our house, values, and members all contribute to who we are as a chapter and how strong the chapter has become.
Highlights of 2013[edit]
The year of 2013 was very successful for the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma!
Philanthropy Events From a philanthropic perspective, we participated in the annual spring Dance Marathon fundraiser. Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Ohio. We had four members who were dancers and stayed on their feet for the entire 32 hours! We also had 19 bikers who biked 180 miles from Cincinnati to Bowling Green to helped raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Zeta Kappa Kappa sponsored four different philanthropies to benefit Reading is Fundamental and Kappa Kidney Camp. First in the spring we held Kappacinos, where we stood on campus and sold hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies during President’s Day. In total, we raised around 175 dollars. Later in the semester, we held Kappa Klassic, a golf scramble held at Bowling Green’s golf course and sponsored by Kick Wedge, to raise money and awareness for Reading is Fundamental. We had about 50 participants and raised close to $1,300 for Reading is Fundamental. During the fall, we hosted a fundraiser called Kool of with Kappa, where we stood on campus and sold popsicles on a hot day and raised 168 dollars. Also, we held our annual Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese in downtown Bowling Green where we sold grilled cheese, tomato soup, and Kappa Kool-Aid and were able to raise $1,200 dollars. The money we raised for both of our philanthropies fall semester benefited Kappa Kidney Kamp. In total, our chapter also completed 774 service hours.
Honors and Awards
To our surprise, we secretly had a two sisters who represented BGSU in spirit during 2013. Kimmy Zacarro was a member of the Sic Sic spirit team and Lauren Phillips was Frieda the Falcon. They were revealed at separate sporting events during February and are both past presidents of Zeta Kappa. We are very proud of them! In February we held our annual parent’s weekend at Stone Ridge Golf Club in Bowling Green. This event allows our loved ones to come and see what our chapter is all about. During this weekend we enjoy dinner with our families, share a slideshow of events that we have done throughout the year and award members for sisterhood and academic excellence. This is a great time for us as members of Kappa Kappa Gamma to show our parents all the great things we are accomplishing as a chapter.
Recruitment and Academic Excellence During fall formal recruitment, we were able to recruit and initiate 22 women who have proven to be great addition to our chapter. Our chapter is very proud to have 18 women on the dean’s list in the spring and an overall GPA of 3.26. In the fall our chapter had 20 women on the dean’s list and an overall GPA of 3.26. It was a very exciting year for chapter academically. The Zeta kappa chapter has achieved a tremendous amount of success in the year of 2013, and will strive to continue excellence in all years to come.
Renovations on campus at BGSU – including a New Greek Village! Bowling Green State University is constantly looking for new ways to update and improve the campus. As a whole, they are renovating many buildings to make it feel more homely for its students. With a student body of about twenty thousand students, the university has taken big steps within the past year to improve the campus. They started renovation in the summer of 2013 on the student recreation center and it is expected to take about a year to complete; a new recreation center is very exciting. Lastly, there are also renovations coming to Bowen-Thompson Student Union starting in May 2014. Renovations include new food concepts in Falcons Nest, renovation in Bowling Greenery and Black Swamp Pub as well as other public spaces in the Union, and relocation of the computer lab and TV lounge. These changes will significantly improve food service and operations in the BGSU dining options and the atmosphere over all.
Our big news is that a new Greek Village is on the horizon at BGSU! Years of site planning and assessment means that this is the last year for Zeta Kappa to be in its current on-campus house. We believe that this change will benefit all chapters and build unity in our Greek community. For example, no chapter will have an advantage over another due to their house during recruitment. Demolition of all Greek houses will occur in the summer of 2014 and the completed Greek Village of Townhouses is expected for Fall 2016. In honor of the last year in our current house, we held an extra special Homecoming Celebration with a strong showing of our Zeta Kappa alums. Sisterhood
The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with emphasis on sisterhood. As a chapter we value sisterhood and continue to strengthen ours each year, not only within our chapter, but with other sororities on campus. In the past year we have invited chapters over to eat dinner, play games, and watch movies in order to get to know the women better and what they represent. Our chapter house is another aspect that we take pride in, it looks like a normal dormitory; however it is so much more than that. It is a place where we can bond as sisters and be a place that is a home away from home. We have a family room, formal room, a computer lab, a study and a kitchen. All of these spaces contribute to the overall feeling of being right at home. Our values, members, and house all add to who we are as a chapter and our strong bond that we hold as sisters.
Highlights of 2014[edit]
Philanthropy Events
From the philanthropic perspective, we participated in the annual spring Dance Marathon fundraiser. Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Ohio. We had nine members who were dancers and stayed on their feet for 32 hours! We also had 6 bikers who biked 180 miles from Cincinnati to Bowling Green to help raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Zeta Kappa sponsored four different philanthropies to benefit Reading is Fundamental and Kappa Kidney Camp. First, on February 17th we held Kappacinos, where we stood on campus and sold hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. Later in the semester, we held Kappa Klassic, a golf scramble held at Bowling Green’s golf course, to raise money and awareness for reading is fundamental on April 13th. We raised approximately $1300. During the fall on September 23th we hosted a fundraiser called Kappa Kupcakes, where we stood on the Education building steps and sold cupcakes to the Bowling Green community, we raised $474.50 for Kappa Kidney Camp. Later in the fall, on October 25th we held our annual Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese in downtown Bowing Green where we sold grilled cheese, tomato soup and Kappa Kool-Aid and raised $1,180.90. In total, our chapter also completed 502.5 service hours.
Honors and Awards
In February of 2014, we secretly had two sisters who represented BGSU spirit. Kimmy Zaccharo had been a member of Sic Sic for the four years that she was at BGSU. Lauren Phillips was revealed as Frieda Falcon. Both of these ladies were revealed at sporting events and are both past presidents of Zeta Kappa. We are very proud of them!
February 15th we held our annual parent’s weekend at Stone Ridge Golf Club in Bowling Green. This event allowed our loved ones to come and see what our chapter is all about. During this weekend we enjoy dinner with our families, share a slideshow of what we have done throughout the year and award members for sisterhood and academic excellence. This is a great even for the member and their families to let them know what the Zeta Kappa is accomplishing as a chapter.
On March 23rd we were awarded the Academic Excellence Award from the Greek Community and standards of excellence, which was revealed to us on Greek weekend. The Zeta Kappa chapter has won both the indoor and outdoor intermural flag football championships within the past year.
Recruitment and Academic Excellence
During spring open recruitment, we were able to recruit and initiate 3 women. The 23 other initiates joined these women during fall formal recruitment. These women have proven to be a great addition to our chapter. We are very proud to have 33 members on the dean’s list and a 3.31 GPA in the spring. In the fall our chapter had 31 women on the dean’s list and an overall GPA of 3.35. Our chapter has the second highest GPA out of the sororities on campus, showing Kappas hard work. This has proven to be a very successful year academically and we strive for excellence in the years to come.
Sisterhood
The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with much emphasis on sisterhood and friendship. As a chapter we value sisterhood and continue to strengthen ours each year, not only with our chapter, but other sororities on campus and in the panhellenic community. In the past year we have invited chapters over to our house to eat dinner, play games and watch movies in order to get to know the women and see what they represent. Even though for the second half of this year we have not had the house we have bonded with many of the sororities in the temporary dorm. Kappa Kappa Gamma shares the floor with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi and the girls make the best out of this living experience.
This year the Zeta Kappa chapter has taken some trips and done certain activities to strengthen our sisterhood. For the first time on November 2 we took a charter bus down to Columbus, Ohio where our headquarters is located. We received a tour of headquarters and much information about Kappas rich history. During the time that we were in Columbus we also took a trip to Ohio State and toured their house! It was a nice experience to be able to meet with a larger chapter and see their sisterhood. Later that month we took a sisterhood photo-shoot and have done several sisterhood retreats throughout the year to help us grow and learn more about each other.
Renovations on campus at BGSU
Bowling Green State University is a flat campus with a lot of character. As a whole they are constantly looking for new ways to update and improve the campus. They have taken tremendous steps within the year of 2014 to better the campus of about 20,000 students. On Sunday August 24th of this year the Student Recreational Center had their opening debut after one year of construction. The new student recreational center includes designated areas for functional training/fitness to accommodate a wide range of exercises.
Starting in the fall of 2014 the Zeta Kappa women have been faced with the challenge of not having an on campus house. However, there have been many traditions within the walls of Conklin that have including sisterhood bonding and homecoming with the alumna. The Greek Housing Project that has been kicked off in 2010 for the 1,500 fraternities and sorority members at BGSU is expected to be complete in the fall of 2016 and our chapter could not be more excited.
BGSU is also planning to make renovations within McDonald residence hall, the student union and a new criminal justice building.
Since Zeta Kappa does not currently have a house on campus we hold chapter meetings in a university owned facility. The facility changes from time to time depending on which building and rooms are available.
We are currently renovating the Bowling Green campus and there is not a house. However, the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma live in a dorm with eighteen of our sisters. The floor is shared with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi. The dorm is University owned and this is the first time in our chapters history that we are under these living requirements.
One of our members, Haley Gilbert our chapters philanthrophy chairman, wears a historic badge. "HKS 2009" to stand for Hannah Kathleen Stone, is inscribed on the back of her badge, and this is her story: I still remember getting that call from my sister 6 years ago, of her screaming, “I found my home, I found my home”. Everyone in my family was so confused because this was our first true encounter of Greek life. My sister went on and on about how she met women that shared the same interests as her, penguins, crafts and Jimmy Johns. She also went on to say that when she walked into her “new home” she couldn’t help but feel comfortable and loved. This new home was Kappa Kappa Gamma. From that moment on, as a freshman in high school, I knew that I wanted to go Greek."
"Going into BGSU, I knew about 3 people total and was 3 hours away from home. I signed up for recruitment right away, eager to find my new home but also completely fearful of not being able to find the right fit. As I walked into each room in the Union to meet each chapter, I discovered what I wanted in a chapter. I wanted women that would encourage me to grow as a person. I also wanted women that would have endless laughs with me, eat pizza with and have heart to hearts with at 2 am. As I walked into Kappa, I was instantly greeted with a smile. It was the end of the first day of recruitment and frankly, I was exhausted and done with small talk. I soon realized that the few women I did talk to, made me feel energized and welcome. They made me laugh and we talked about family. I knew from that moment I would be a Kappa Kappa Gamma. Each round after that I met other ladies in Kappa, who shared the same dreams, goals, and laughs with me. I sat during preference party just like you, hoping the women around the room would like me just as much as I liked them. Then on Bid day aka the best day, I opened the card to find out I finally was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. I cried, hugging my rho gamma that ended up being a Kappa. I called my sister anxiously to tell her the big news. Thinking back on bid day, I had no idea how Kappa would change me and I am still continuously finding out how Kappa is changing the women I am. This experience, that I am currently going through has made me change from being a shy, insecure girl who would never speak in front of a group of people to a confident women who takes on challenges with her sisters support. I found sisterhood, which is an indescribable feeling. Everyone in and out of college will tell you that you’ll meet your “lifelong friends”. I haven’t just met my lifelong friends; I have met my lifelong sisters, bridesmaids, and confidants. I hope each of you sitting in these chairs find your new home and sisters just like I did."
Highlights of 2015[edit]
Philanthropy Events
From a philanthropic perspective, our chapter participated in the annual spring fundraiser, Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 450 schools – all raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We had several members who danced and stayed on their feet for the whole 32 hours during this event! Zeta Kappa also had many bikers who biked 180 miles from Cincinnati back to Bowling Green to help raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. Zeta Kappa sponsored four different philanthropies benefiting Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kidney Kamp and Kappa Foundation. First, on February 16th we held Kappacinos, where we stand on the steps of the Education Building and sold hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, and we were able to raise $192. Later in the spring semester, on April 26th we held Kappa Klassic, a golf scramble held at Bowling Green’s golf course, where we raised over $1000 for Kappa Kidney Kamp. Moving on to fall semester, on October 1st, we held Kappa Kupcakes, where we sold cupcakes on campus to the BGSU community and raised $341. Finally, on October 24th we held our annual Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese in downtown Bowling Green where we sold grilled cheese, tomato soup and Kappa Kool-Aid and raised $1,341!
Honors and Awards
On February 7th, we held our annual parent’s weekend at Stone Ridge golf Club. The event allowed our parents to come and see what Zeta Kappa and Kappa Kappa Gamma in general is all about. During this weekend we had dinner with our families, shared a presentation on what our year was about and awarded members for sisterhood and academic excellence and we were able to raise $1,250 during parent’s weekend. Sarah Dunham, previous chapter president became Panhellenic women of the month in December. This is also Zeta Kappa’s 4th consecutive year winning indoor and outdoor flag football.
Recruitment and Academic Excellence
During spring open recruitment, we were able to recruit and initiate 4 women and during fall form recruitment, we initiated 28 women. These women have proven to be a fantastic addition to our chapter. We are also very proud to have 30 women on the dean’s list, an overall chapter GPA of 3.342 and 15 girls achieving 4.0’s. Our chapter has the second highest GPA out of all sororities on campus proving to be a very successful year academically and we will strive to continue our great work.
Renovations on Campus at BGSU
Bowling Green State University is a flat campus with a lot of character. As a whole they are constantly looking for new ways to update and improve the campus. They have taken tremendous steps within the year of 2015 to better the campus of about 20,000 students. BGSU is embarking on the second phase of the largest building and renovation effort in its history. This exciting, complex undertaking will define our Bowling Green campus for the next century. The BGSU Master Plan consists of a $200 million-plus investment in our academic facilities. Over the next seven years, BGSU will create state-of-the-art learning spaces. Construction is under way on a new student health center. The Falcon Health Center is being developed under a new partnership with Wood County Hospital and will provide enhanced health care for students.
For the past year and a half BGSU Greek life has been faced with the challenge of not having a house. The University is proceeding with the development of new Greek Housing on campus. The project will create housing for about 400 fraternity/sorority members in townhouse-style complexes. This housing project is predicted to be done Fall 2016.
Sisterhood
The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with much emphasis on sisterhood and friendship. As a chapter we value sisterhood and continue to strengthen ours each year, not only with our chapter, but other sororities on campus and in the PanHellenic community. In the past year we have invited chapters over to our house to eat dinner, play games and watch movies in order to get to know the women and see what they represent. Even though this year we have not had the house we have bonded with many of the sororities in the temporary dorm. Kappa Kappa Gamma shares the floor with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi and the girls make the best out of this living experience.
This year the Zeta Kappa chapter has taken some trips and done certain activities to strengthen our sisterhood. Kappa Kappa Gamma took a trip down to Wood County Historical Center for a holiday photo-shoot. We have had two sisterhood workshops that have brought out the strengths in our relationships. We plan to implement many more sisterhoods to help us grow and learn more about each other in 2016.
Highlights of 2016[edit]
Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma
Summary The year of 2016 was successful and exciting year for Kappa Kappa Gamma. We participated in many philanthropy events to raise money for our local and national philanthropies, and we participated in other Greek organizations events to help them raise money. Our chapter has grown so much within the past year throughout scholarship, group honors and awards, and we’ve gone above and beyond by achieving many of our set goals. Chapter Philanthropy Events
Zeta Kappa has held several philanthropy events throughout the year of 2016. From a philanthropic perspective, however our chapter participated in the annual spring fundraiser, Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 450 schools – all raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We had a considerable amount of members who danced and stayed on their feet for the whole 24 hours during this event! Zeta Kappa is also very passionate about Bikes for Tykes as we had many bikers who biked 180 miles from Cincinnati back to Bowling Green to help raise money for Children’s Miracle Network, or FTK!
Zeta Kappa sponsored four different philanthropy events benefiting our national philanthropies Reading is Fundamental, and the Kappa Foundation and our local philanthropy, Kappa Kidney Kamp. First, on February 15th we held Kappacinos, where we stood on the steps of the Education Building and sold hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, and we were able to raise $250. Moving on to fall semester, on October 5th, we held Kappa Kupcakes, where we sold cupcakes on campus to the BGSU community and raised $400. Finally, on November 5th we held our annual Kappa Kappa Grilled Cheese in downtown Bowling Green where we sold grilled cheese, tomato soup and Kappa Kool-Aid and raised $1,300.
Honors and Awards On February 7th, we held our annual parent’s weekend at Stone Ridge Golf Club. The event allowed our parents to come and see what Zeta Kappa and Kappa Kappa Gamma in general is all about. During this weekend we had dinner with our families, shared a presentation on what our year was about and awarded members for sisterhood and academic excellence and we were able to raise $1,350 during parent’s weekend. Zeta Kappa also continues take intramurals very seriously and continues to dominate on the fields!
Recruitment and Academic Excellence During fall formal recruitment, we initiated 28 beautiful and classy women. These women have proven to be a fantastic addition to our chapter. We are also very proud to have 38 women on the dean’s list, an overall chapter GPA of 3.3986 and 16 girls achieving 4.0’s. Our chapter has the one of the highest GPA out of all sororities on campus proving to be a very successful year academically and we will strive to continue our great work.
Renovations on Campus at BGSU Bowling Green State University is a flat campus with a lot of character. As a whole they are constantly looking for new ways to update and improve the campus. They have taken tremendous steps within the year of 2016 to better the campus of about 20,000 students. As you many know this year has brought us our brand new, amazing Greek community. We have been so lucky and so fortunate to have such a beautiful house of our own and have been able to furnish and make it perfect for us. The Greek village has provided a variety of ways for the everyone in Greek life to become closer as one whole community that we will forever be grateful for. We were so honored to be able to hold the first ever chapter in our new home.
Along with the new Greek Village added to campus here at BGSU this year, there were also many other renovations added to campus. We added a new and improved career center to our student union, and a brand new and improved BGSU bookstore that has been renovated and consolidated to the first floor of the student union. There has also been an academic building revitalization including South Hall. South Hall is now the new home for the School of Media and Communications.
Major projects for the next several years include the demolition of the Harshman Quadrangle Residence Hall, the Administration Building, West Hall, and Family and Consumer Sciences.
Sisterhood The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a very strong chapter with much emphasis on sisterhood and friendship. As a chapter we value sisterhood and continue to strengthen ours each year, not only with our chapter, but other sororities on campus and in the Panhellenic community. In the past year we have invited chapters over to our house to eat dinner, play games and watch movies in order to get to know the women and see what they represent. This year, since we have been so fortunate to have our new home, we were able to have a sisterhood with our neighbors and Monmouth Duo, Pi Beta Phi. We had shirts made with our letters and we all got together to Tie-Dye them and have some bonding time.
Zeta Kappa also held a Christmas holiday sisterhood. We all got together in Christmas sweaters, and made delicious homemade hot chocolate and spent quality time with each other. We also started a tradition of making scrapbooks for each pledge class that will get passed on throughout the years for the future Zeta Kappa’s to enjoy! This year the Zeta Kappa chapter has taken some trips and done certain activities to strengthen our sisterhood. We plan to implement many more sisterhoods to help us grow and learn more about each other in 2017.
Highlights of 2017[edit]
The past year has been a year of great improvements for the Zeta Kappa Chapter. We have grown stronger as a sisterhood and academically, to become the chapter with the highest GPA on campus with a 3.53. This was above and beyond the goals that we set for ourselves. This is a trend we hope to continue and improve in the upcoming years.
In the spring of 2017, our chapter completed 647 service hours and raised $2,290.49 for our philanthropies. In the fall of 2017, our chapter completed 1,070 service hours and raised $1,170.67. We did this through our philanthropy events throughout the year, Kappacinos in the winter, Key to Kappa in the spring, which ended up being our most successful event of the year, Kappa Kupcakes and Kappa Grilled Cheese in the fall.
In the spring we had a 9 member participate in Bike for Tikes, an event where they ride a bike 180 miles to raise money for the local Children's Miracle Network. Three of the women that participated were on the coordinating committee for the ride. This event is a part of Dance Marathon and as a whole they were able to raise over $300,000.
In the spring we initiated three new members into the Zeta Kappa Chapter. We also had a spring photoshoot where all of our sister got dressed up an spent the day together and had a mini photoshoot. In the fall, we held formal recruitment August 25th-September 3rd . This was the first time that recruitment could be held in the new chpater houses. 22 women pledged the Zeta Kappa Chapter and were initiated on October 21, 2017. During our initiation weekend we held Kappa Grilled Cheese and also a Fall Photoshoot. It was a great weekend to build our sisterhood and welcome our new sisters.
We have continued to build our relationships with other members of the Greek community. We held many different service events with different chapters in the different councils on campus. We are looking forward to building thes relationships more next semester.
There have been many improvements to the Bowling Green Campus this past year. The university has made many efforts to make the campus more sustainable and green. There are now areas "green" part of campus that will be completed in spring 2018. The university has also improved some of the oldest buildings on campus. From the outside, the buildings look traditional with minor updates like new windows. On the inside, the building have been completely updated. They are modern and high-tech.
The Zeta Kappa chapter has continued to make our new house a home over the past year. We have found ways to make the townhouse style work for our chapter. We have also continued to make sure our sisterhood is as strong as it can be.
The Zeta Kappa Chapter has continued to raise money and awareness for our three philanthropies, Reading is Fundamental, The Kappa Foundation and Kappa Kidney Camps. We hold multiple events each semester to support these organizations. In fall semester of 2017, we held a new event "Reading is Key" where we invited children from area schools to come, complete a craft, listen to stories being read and also receive a book that they could take home with them.
Kappa Kidney Camp is something that our chapter is very passionate because it is a local organization. All of the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters in Ohio can become involved in this. We have had sister go to the camp in the past to experience all that goes into the camp and to see what we are raising money for. This past summer, our philanthropy chair attended Kappa Day at the camp. She shared her experience with the rest of the chapter and now many women are very excited to go next summer.
We try to meet in our new chapter house as much as we possibly can. We typically only meet here for informal chapter and sisterhoods because the space is slightly limited for the size of our chapter. We are trying to work with the space that we have so we can have every chapter meeting in our house but for now, formal chapters take place in an open classroom on campus meet in classroom on campus to give us enough space.
Highlights of 2018[edit]
Over the previous calendar year Zeta Kappa has had much success. At convention we earned "Most Improved Academic Excellence Award" for outstanding achievements for the years 2016-2018. Philanthropically, Zeta Kappa raised a total of 3,613 dollars for our three philanthropies this calendar year. Moreover, the chapter was involved in Sigma Chi's Derby Day philanthropy competition which we won for the second year in a row. By doing so we were able to support both Sigma Chi's philanthropy and our own, while also spreading a positive philanthropic awareness across campus. As for chapter goals, our focus letter was lifted as we made great strides as a chapter and accomplished all that was laid out for us in the letter. Zeta Kappa also just saw 2 women end their terms on BGSU's Panhellenic Council, these Kappas held the positions of Panhellenic President and Vice President of Service. While these two Kappas ended their term on Panhellenic two new Kappas were installed as President and Vice President of Membership Development. This was a great honor as a Kappa woman will be serving as the BGSU Panhellenic President for the second year in a row.
Philanthropy
Reading Is Fundamental, Kappa Foundation, and Kappa Kidney Camp
Two of these are national Kappa philanthropies which all Kappas support. Kappa Kidney Camp however is specific to Ohio Kappas. It is a philanthropy which helps send children on Kidney Dialysis to Camp once a year and cover all of their medical bills. This camp allows children struggling with kidney dialysis to attend camp and not worry about their medications or health.
Highlights of 2019[edit]
Over the past year, the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has completed quite a bit. One our biggest achievements over the past calendar year is we were the number one fundraiser for our local philanthropy, Kappa Kidney Camp. We had several women take the opportunity this summer to go to southern Ohio and attend the camp, and meet the children who participate. We received Greek Standards of Excellence awards in the spring based on communication, involvement with other chapters in the greek community, and academics/organization. This past semester at BGSU Panhel began study bunch, in which many women of our chapter began attending.Quite a few women in the chapter received the Kappa scholarship, as well as one woman in our chapter received the panhellenic scholarship. We have also implemented book buddies, in which we have second grade pen pals, in which we donate books to each month. At the end of each year we have a pizza party with our pen pals. This semester we also implemented social probation, in which we hope will eliminate the amount of grade risks, as well as standards concerns within the chapter. Our goals for the next semester: be in the top five GPAs on campus, and have 2 or less people sent home from a date party.
Within the past year, BGSU has gained a wonderful new president of the university, Rodney Rogers. He is encouraging leadership and promoting the good of FSL. He has created a very positive influence on the chapter, and the campus as a whole. He has had service meetings and president meetings in which women of our chapter have been invited to, and have attended.
Our local philanthropy is Kappa Kidney Camp. We feel as though this is a very important philanthropy to get behind. The children who benefit from this organization are amazing, and seeing the progress is absolutely priceless.
We celebrated founders day this year at a country club in Perrysburg, in which many women received their pins for being a kappa woman for however many years. We always do a luncheon, providing lunch and dessert. We also closed with the mystic circle as well.
Our alumna chair, Heather has been in contact with many of our alumni informing them of the anniversary coming up. We have also talked to many of our chapter's charter members as well. We were hoping to have a celebration here in Bowling Green, inviting various alumna to come.
Highlights of 2021:[edit]
Starting the year in January 2021, we completed recruitment. On January 31st, we welcomed 3 new members from open. In February, our three new members underwent formal pledging on February 21st and big little week began the next day in February 22nd. In March of 2021, our whole Greek community suffered the passing of Stone Foltz on March 7th due to fraternity hazing. Because of his passing, nearly all chapter activities of every organization were halted and chapters have ongoing efforts to work with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority life. Later this month, on the 28th were able to have a virtual programming with Lesly Stern covering different issues faced by college woman, like healthy vs toxic relationships and sexual assault. In April, we were able to virtually initiate our 2 new members that completed their learning on the 17th. The last chapter of the school year was on the 18th. .Over summer break, we held a summer recruitment workshop on campus on June 27th .
In August, many of the actives living in the house volunteered to move in freshmen on August 24th. On August 26th, we began classes and the start of a new semester. In September, we participated in greek wide meet the chapters on the 3rd. Formal recruitment was held from September 9th-12th, with bid night occurring on the 12th. As a chapter, we recruited 12 new members during formal recruitment. On September 18th, our University had homecoming and we welcomed Kappa alumni at the house with brunch at 11 am. COB was open from 9/19 until 9/22, 4 bids extended and 3 were accepted In October, we held our annual cotton candy philanthropy event on 10/6. Big little reveal was on October 7th. On October 13th, we had our Founder’s day celebration at the Kappa house. I-week began on Sunday the 17th. We had an I-week sisterhood on October 19th at a local bowling alley and the annual Blue and Blue dinner at our house on Thursday the 21st. Fireside service was held on the night of Friday, the 22nd and Initiation was the next morning on Saturday October 23rd. All 15 girls from the PC ’21 were successfully initiated for the first in person initiation Zeta Kappa held since 2019. Grilled cheese with KKG took place that night on October 23rd and raised over $1,100. On October 28th, many active members volunteered for the Halloween in the Greek Village community event. Lastly In October, our chapter had a self defense programming on the 31st with the Alpha Xi Delta on campus. In the first November chapter, we elected members to slating committee. On November 8th, I held an initiation debrief for the newly initiated pledge class so they could learn more ritual material. On November 14th, the new slate was presented to the chapter in new business. On November 17th, we held a chipotle fundraiser which raised over $200 for the Jed Foundation. During chapter on November 21st, the new slate was approved.
As an Ohio chapter, Zeta Kappa Chapter typically raises money for the annual Kappa Kidney Camp that takes place in Ohio over the summer. Our chapter greatly values our contributions to giving kids the chance to have a normal summer camp experience they would not have. In addition to raising thousands, every year we always have many active members who volunteer at the camp on Kappa day. Due to the pandemic, Kappa Kidney Camp has not been able to be put on hiatus. We as a chapter have begun to raise money for the Jed foundation as an extension of the new Lives Fully Lived campaign from Kappa Nationals. We are excited to raise money and awareness for mental health, especially after the effects of the pandemic on our sisters and organization.
Our Philanthropy events were able to resume when we came back to campus this fall. This included Kappa cotton candy on October 6th, Kappa Grilled Cheese on October 23rd, and a chipotle fundraiser on November 17th. Before the winter holidays, we also plan to participate in the Rose McGill Holiday Program.
Our DEI chairwoman has presented issues and prompted conversations about DEI issues throughout the year, especially around recruitment times. We look forward to continuing to build this position within our chapter. Our goal is for the DEI chair and Education chair to work more closely together to provide more programming on DEI topics
The pandemic had a large effect on our chapter. During the spring semester of 2021, most chapter activities were virtual. All chapter meetings occurred over zoom, as well as our spring Initiation. Starting in the fall of 2021 when we returned to campus, we were able to have in person events and chapter once again. All indoor activities required wearing masks, including chapter and Initiation. We have also been able to resume volunteer hours since returning to in person activities.
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!
