Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Epsilon Mu chapter has won Best Sorority at Clemson this year.
Initially founded by six women at Monmouth College in Illinois in 1870, Kappa Kappa Gamma has now expanded to include 144 active chapters across the continent, according to the sorority’s website.
Kappa strives to be loyal and positive and ensures that it is consistently withholding standing rules and a strong sisterhood.
“What makes Kappa special is our amazing members and our culture of support,” Mary Kate Addison, chapter president, said. “We have an incredible group of girls whom all share the same passion for Kappa and love for each other.”
The chapter gives back to the community through its mental health-awareness-centered philanthropy. In addition to this effort, the members host an annual philanthropy event in an all-male flag football tournament which raises money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
Kappa also helps out with animals in an event called “Rent-A-Dog.” Members work with the Crossroads Animal Shelter every year, bringing dogs on campus where students can choose to temporarily “rent” the dog for 30 minutes. Rent-A-Dog has raised thousands of dollars, all of which goes directly to the shelter, according to the chapter’s website.
Along with holding their philanthropy events, they also make sure to attend other chapters’ events as well.
“We have cultivated a positive and uplifting culture within our sorority as we all strive to be our best and help one another be their best as well,” Addison added. “The love and support that our members feel are seen through their involvement in Kappa and their desire to meet everyone.”
The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has had an immense influence on the Clemson Panhellenic philanthropy, Circle of Sisterhood. This organization helps shed light on the development of women’s education in undeveloped countries. In Kappa, the members stand by loyalty and sisterhood.
The academic standards at Kappa are to hold a GPA equal to or higher than the University’s all-sorority GPA of 2.7. Because each member of the chapter must contribute to the overall GPA of the sorority, it is not expected for each member to maintain a universal GPA due to differences in class rigor.
Kappa also has an Academic Excellence Committee, which has been put in place in the instance that a sister is struggling academically. All Kappa members are expected to leave college with a degree, which is why this committee was formed.
Members like to celebrate academic success in chapter meetings each week by awarding a “Smart Cookie” of the week and an “A of the month” award to the most deserving Kappa sister who has earned As on tests or projects.
At Clemson, you will find Kappa Kappa Gamma’s residential area on The Quad, next to McAlister Dining Hall.
The students of Clemson have spoken, and Kappa Kappa Gamma has proven to be the favorite sorority of the year for its outstanding involvement in Greek life and the community.