From September 17, 1962, when an alumnae club was chartered in Columbia, there had been the hope that an active chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma would be installed at the University of South Carolina. The Kappas felt that South Carolina had been neglected by the Fraternity as far as colonizing chapters was concerned. However, this neglect was understood when only 120 Kappa alumnae living in South Carolina were listed in the first galley sheets send by Headquarters in 1962.

The University of South Carolina is a large university located in the heart of the city. Real estate in this area was quite high. Since a sorority house would have to be close to the university for the girls’ safety, it was the consensus of opinion that perhaps the university would make the next girls’ dormitory a Panhellenic dormitory.

In the spring of 1966, an evaluating team was sent by Kappa to the university, by invitation, to examine the possibilities of colonizing. The team was favorably impressed, and a “red carpet welcome” was extended by the university, culminating in a luncheon by Panhellenic with the dean of women as hostess. An invitation was extended to Kappa Kappa Gamma to become the eight national sorority on campus, the first since the early forties to establish a chapter on campus. Preceding was Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Zeta, Kappa Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Pi Beta Phi. An inspection committee arrived shortly thereafter. Upon recommendation of this committee, a vote was taken by the Council and Associate Council, and was approved.

Frances Fatout Alexander, DePauw, Fraternity President at that time, lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, not far away. Mary Turner Witney, Cincinnati, lived in Beaufort, South Carolina. Jean Hess Wells, Georgia, and Dorothy McCampbell Nowell, Georgia, lived in Georgia. The last two were with the chapter during the first rush in September, 1966, as was Marsha Lynn Love, Florida State, slated to be the graduate counselor for the new Chapter. Some of the actives from Delta Upsilon, University of Georgia, came over for two weekends to put on skits and rushing parties, and later for initiation in February, 1967. They demonstrated Kappa loyalty to the fullest. Some actives from Epsilon Epsilon, Emory University, came, too.

It was agreed to enter recruitment in the fall, and the university provided a chapter room in the Wade Hampton Dormitory. On September 29, 1966, twelve girls accepted bids. Four more were added in informal rush. The twelve who made their grades became charter members of Epsilon Kappa and the four who did not make their grades became charter pledges. On February 17, 1967 the colony became the Epsilon Kappa Chapter at the University of South Carolina; Kappa's ninety-third Chapter and the first Kappa Chapter in the state.

First on the initiates' agenda was the Fireside Service at the Baptist Student Center, complete with members of sister Chapter, Georgia. This was followed by a social hour in the flower-filled Kappa room. Many Kappa songs, combined with shining faces and expectant smiles, produced a truly unforgettable evening. Twelve happy members received their new badges and long awaited charter in the Saturday afternoon ceremony. Immediately after installation, Epsilon Kappa Chapter adjourned to the Kappa room for the ceremony conducted by former Fraternity President Whitney to pledge five women to the newly installed Chapter. The gala banquet was held at Columbia's Palmetto Club and presided over by toastmistress and Central South Carolina Alumnae Association president, Barbara Grimsley Burns, UCLA. Various gifts to the Chapter were presented during the evening, including the awarding of three special keys. In addition, flowers, telegrams, and letters from Kappas coast to coast gave South Carolina's Kappa Chapter a warm welcome.

Due to the smallness of the chapter at the time, an active often had to hold two offices or chairmanships. Epsilon Kappa received an award at the Centennial Convention for scholarship improvement among smaller chapters and in 1973 had two members of Phi Beta Kappa.

Members of Epsilon Kappa earned honors in university scholastic organizations such as nursing, music, education, and the freshman honorary. The Chapter won in intramural swimming, two girls were voted sweethearts, and one Kappa was named the Sorority Woman of the Year.

Epsilon Kappa Chapter, along with the Columbia Alumnae Club, hosted the 1973 Mu Province meeting.

Most of the previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter HAt the University of Tennessee, as the Epsilon Lambda chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma is committed to helping women reach their full potential and aspirations, while never losing sight of its dedication to the community. Kappa offers its members experience ranging from friendship to mentoring, from leadership to service, and from campus activities to a lifetime of community involvement. With 180 members, Kappa Kappa Gamma at UT represents a diverse group of women coming together to make a difference, a difference that the entire Knoxville community will never forget.

During the 1980s, Epsilon Kappa was especially involved with GAMMA, otherwise known as Greeks Against Mismanagement of Alcohol, along with the other sororities and fraternities. USC tried to raise awareness about the seriousness of drunk driving and the other effects alcohol can have on students. The chapter co-hosted the annual Tiger Burn, volunteered with the annual Carolina/Clemson blood drive, and fundraised for Camp Chemo and the Ronald McDonald House. Their annual philanthropy event, the Balloon Derby, often raised funds for Carolina Sunshine, an organization that granted wishes to terminally ill children.

In the 1980s EK was top in intramurals, second place in Greek Week (1983), and second place in Derby Days. During one Initiation, the chapter was visited by the Fraternity President, Sally Moore Nitschke, and also by former president Mary Turner Whitney. The chapter hosted Province Meeting in 1987.

Recruitment numbers grew during the 1980s, and EK’s Panhellenic scholarship ranking was excellent. The chapter ranked first on campus or first in NM class rankings several semesters. Members from the chapter held offices and membership in and received awards from every organization, sports team, and honorary society on campus. The chapter always did well in “Cockfest” (Homecoming) and Derby Days.

In 1985, all eight sororities received halls in one of the women’s dorms.

Columbia, SC, celebrated its bicentennial in 1986.

In 1987, the chapter lost a new Initiate, Rebecca Allyson Rey, in a car accident. The chapter will always hold this dear sister in their hearts.

In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo, tore through Charleston, SC, with 135-mile-an-hour winds. Epsilon Kappa members responded quickly and generously. Their philanthropy project, the annual Balloon Derby, raised $4,000, with $3,000 going to Hugo assistance through the Salvation Army and $1,000 going to the Rose McGill Fund. In addition, for three weeks after the hurricane, members sorted clothes and goods at a collection center.

1989 marked the last year of the Balloon Derby, as the chapter learned that the balloon debris was harmful to local wildlife. Responsibly, they chose to end the much-loved event.

During the 1990s, Epsilon Kappa continued to work hard on academics and participate in organizations, honor societies, and athletics teams across campus. The chapter excelled in recruiting and events like the annual Greek Games. In 1990 and 1991, chapter members won Greek Woman of the Year. In 1994 an EK was Panhellenic President, and another was Mortar Board President. In 1996 an EK was Homecoming Queen, and in 1997 a chapter member was in charge of all of recruitment.

The chapter was fortunate to have a traveling consultant and a lounge renovation in 1993.

Specific chapter goals were set. The chapter prioritized Fraternity education, including Ritual and history. Philanthropy programming shifted from fundraising to volunteer work. Kappas volunteered together, teamed up with other groups, participated in other organizations’ events, and required each member to complete a set number of individual service hours with an organization(s) of their choosing. Participation in G.A.M.M.A (the alcohol awareness program) continued.

The 1996 goal was K.A.P.P.A. P.R.I.D.E. - knowledge, attendance, pride, philanthropy, appreciation, participation, respect, interest, dedication, and enthusiasm.

Kappa Kickoff was a success along with RIF. We participated in Greek Week, and also won the Party Walk competition. We also participated in various Homecoming festivities with Kappa Alpha, and we placed 2nd in the float building contest. We also participated in several other fraternities' and sororities’ philanthropy projects. Several of our members served as liaisons for Dance Marathon. Lori Miller served as Sorority Council President. We also received the chapter of excellence award, and 2 awards from the Fraternity during the biennial Convention.

Our chapter has 118 members, all of whom are extremely active all over campus and the community. Our new pledge class was one of the largest in years, which added more girls from various places all over the country into our sisterhood.

A definite challenge EK faced this past year was having good attendance at all the meetings, philanthropy events, etc. The events were made a little more exciting and new activities and practices were implemented during meetings to boost attendance. Financially we struggled and had a hard time getting the house full, but with our new girls they were so anxious to get into the house that now there is a waiting list for next year. During recruitment Katti Bowling assisted us in everything we were struggling in with recruitment, allowing us to gain a great new pledge class. Lori Miller served as Sorority Council President. We also received the chapter of excellence award from Greek Life.

This year at USC there were more than 350 degree programs of study, more than 25,000 students, and the university began construction on the new Innovista learning and research facility. It also began tearing down the old freshman dorms (the Honeycombs) to make room for new honors college dorms. Columbia is an extremely diverse city with a growing urban campus area.

In 2008, Epsilon Kappa won the House Board Award at Convention.

During 2010, The Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma accomplished many things. EK raised over $4700 for the Relay for Life here at USC and also raised $3809 for Dance Marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. EK was the biggest Greek Life donor at Bark at the Park, where they gave homeless animals the attention and love they deserve. In addition to our successful philanthropies, EK had many successful events including an Alumnae Tea, Formal, and Kappa Rage in the spring and Buffet Bash, Fall Band Party, Backwoods Bash, Tacky Christmas Sweater Party, and Semi-Formal in the fall. EK was recognized by Greek Life for Excellence in Scholarship, Excellence in Involvement, and given the Bronze Award for Chapter Achievement. In the fall all of the new members volunteered at A.C. Moore Elementary School at a RIF Parade, and EK hosted two Jeans Sales and our annual Kappa Kickoff benefiting the national philanthropies.

The biggest challenge of the 2010 year was academics. EK has recently had problems with members keeping their GPAs up, but with study hours and our mentor program, our GPA has improved and now is higher than the campus Greek Life average.

In the spring of 2011 the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had its largest spring pledge class with eight new members. After a great recruitment in the fall of 2011 the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma gained 98 new members. Our annual fall philanthropy event, Kappa Kickoff, was a successful flag football tournament, with participation from other Greek organizations and University sports teams.

The Epsilon Kappa chapter has grown dramatically in the past year. We nearly doubled in size after our spring and fall recruitment, growing from 159 members to 262.

Scholarship:

- Kappa Kappa Gamma logged the most hours in the Library out of the entire greek community last year. -Our chatper improved our GPA both semesters, ranking us 5th in the entire greek community.

Philanhropic Involvement: -This fall we held Kappa Kickoff, a flag football tournament open to all campus organizations, on November 18th. This event raised money for a scholarship fund that we call the Hill Family Fund, started by our chapter, for the children of one of our former chefs who tragically passed away along with his wife in a car accident. The event itself raised over $2,500.

-We had 2 members on the Panhellenic Circle of Sisterhood Committee and as a chapter raised around $300 for that effort. -We had 16 girls participate in Dance Marathon, an organization that supports Children's Miracale Network Hospitals and our team raised over $6,500 -Through a combination of t-shirt sales, percent nights and other various philanthropic efforts we raised over $3,000 and divided it between the Hill family fund and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. -We made weekly trips to read to children at local elementary and middle schools. As well as held a book drive to donate hundreds of books to local schools through RIF. -We hosted the CEO of RIF for an informational session which was such a treat!

Leadership:

-Riley Shipman and Jamie Gardner attended SLDC (Student Leadership and Diversity Conference on Feburary 4th) as well as SEPC (South Eastern Panhellenic Conference March 29-April 1st) representing both Kappa and USC’s Sorority Council. -Members of the 2012 Chapter Council also attended Kappa Kappa Gamma Annual Convention June 20-24th in Jacksonville, Florida. -On September 13-16th 2012, collegiate Rachel Haselden and alumni Myra Morton attended Kappa’s annual Leadership conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Goals: -The three main goals from 2012 of the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma were as follows: to be more involved in the Greek community at the University of South Carolina, to improve academically, and to be more active in our national philanthropy Read is Fundamental (RIF). The chapter accomplished these goals ten-fold and will continue to do so in the future. Two main examples of our increased involvement in the Greek community are the fact that we had to representatives of Kappa Kappa Gamma on Sorority Council as well as our sisterhood event with Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Mu in September 2012. In this sisterhood event, Alpha Kappa Alpha was able to educate the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Phi Mu about Incorporated Sororities and their sorority’s history as well. It was a lot of fun and cultivated many diverse friendships.

The second goal of academic improvement was carried out through increased study hours and availability of educational tools, such as sister tutors. We also increased the amount of academic incentives that we gave out, for example, gift cards and gift baskets. Using these tools, we were able to increase our average GPA to 3.43 and are continuing to improve that with our New Member class having a GPA average 3.45. The third goal of becoming more involved with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national foundation was carried out through many different ways. We began a program in which a group of about 10 sisters went to BC Grammar School (a RIF certified school) in Columbia, and read with children in the school library for a few hours on Friday afternoons. We also had to honor of having Reading is Fundamental’s CEO, Carol Hampton Rasco, speak to our chapter this fall. She not only spoke with us about the RIF organization and how we could become more involved but also about being a woman in leadership. Our sisters benefited immensely from this experience. All in all, the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma set high goals for itself and delivered in reaching each one. We are excited to continue to work on these goals that we have set and set new ones for the future of our chapter.

Programs:

-We invited all alumni to attend a mock-recruitment showcase round before the rounds started on August 4, 2012 at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. They got to see what we were presenting during recruitment for the upcoming year, and then stay for sweet tea and desserts.

-Our parents event this year was the Parents’ Cocktail, held September 26th, 2012 at our house in the Greek Village. We hold this event every year to allow parents to meet other sisters and also enjoy a social gathering. The night included food, presentations from our exec board, house tours and a silent auction to raise money for our philanthropy.

During the fall, We hosted a Yoghut Percent night with Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. to raise money for Sorority Council’s Philanthropy, Circle of Sisterhood.

Last spring, We hosted a Sister Sorority of the Month Event with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Phi Mu on October 13, 2012. We did a bonding evening at the KKG house where we learned about one another’s sororities and histories. Had dinner and dessert and then gave speeches to one another about what makes us who we are.

Last Spring, our chapter sent 5 of our largest committees to attend a drunk driving seminar at the Delta Zeta House. Not only did this give our members a real perspective on Drunk Driving and how it affects family members, but it also provided us a chance to support another organization’s educational efforts.

Awards: -Our chapter was awarded with Most Improved GPA at our General Convention (national conference) in June 2010. We were also awarded and award for Gracious Living, Academic Most Improved, Opal Humphrey Membership Award, and the Felice Wood Pralle House Board Relations Award at our National Convention on October 20, 2012. -Received the Silver Excellence Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Academic Excellence Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Chapter Involvement Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Recived the Challenge The Process Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Scholarship: Kappa Kappa Gamma logged the most hours in the Library for 2013. Our chapter has continued to improve our GPA both semesters, however, the rank is not known yet.

Philanthropic Involvement: This Fall, we held Kappa Kickoff, a flag football tournament open to all campus organizations, on October 13, 2013. This event raised money for a scholarship fund that we call The Hill Family Fund, started by our chapter, for the children of one of our former chefs who tragically passed away along with his wife in a car accident. The event itself raised over $7,000.

We had 25 girls participate in Dance Marathon, an organization that supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We also had 5 girls on moral, a selected group of people who help organize and run the event. Our team raised over $4,500.

We made weekly trips to read to the children at local elementary and middle schools. Participated in Reading Rocks a book drive event and celebration of reading at local elementary school. Through a combination of t-shirt sales, percent nights and other various philanthropic efforts we raised over $3,000 and divided it between the Hill family fund and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

Leadership: - We sent new member, Taylor Kessock, to 2014 SLDC. -2 women of Epsilon Kappa were selected to be resident mentors on campus -5 new members selected to participate in Greek Emergaing Leaders Program -Riley Shipman and Jamie Gardner attended SLDC (Student Leadership and Diversity Conference on Feburary 4th) as well as SEPC (South Eastern Panhellenic Conference March 29-April 1st) representing both Kappa and USC’s Sorority Council. Lindsay Webb will be attending SEPC this year. Both Riley and Jamie are going to be Leadership consoltents next year.

Goals: The three main goals from 2013 of the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma were as follows: to be more involved in the Greek community at the University of South Carolina, to improve academically, and to be more active in our national philanthropy Read is Fundamental (RIF). The chapter accomplished these goals ten-fold and will continue to do so in the future.

Two main examples of our increased involvement in the Greek community are the fact that we had sisters on Sorority Council, Greek Conduct and Programming board, as well as Greek ambassadors and Pi Chi’s. We also held an informational sisterhood event with Sororos of Delta Sigma Theta which gave them a chance to present about NPHC & their national organization. It was an very interactive event and I think our girls learned a TON and had fun doing it. The second goal of academic improvement was carried out through increased study hours and availability of educational tools, such as sister tutors.

We also increased the amount of academic incentives that we gave out, for example, gift cards and gift baskets. The third goal of becoming more involved with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national foundation was carried out through many different ways. We continued our program in which a group of about 10 sisters at a time went to BC Grammar School (a RIF certified school) in Columbia, and read with children in the school library for a few hours on Friday afternoons. We continued to participate in the back to school parade and collected books to donate with local elementary and middle schools. Our sisters benefited immensely from both experiences. All in all, the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma set high goals for itself and delivered in reaching each one. We are excited to continue to work on these goals that we have set and set new ones for the future of our chapter.

Programs: Members from the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in an event called Make Moves for Martha benefit concert- an event that raised awareness and support of a young lady who was tragically paralyzed while she was in downtown Columbia.

We invited all alumni to attend a mock-recruitment showcase round before the rounds started on August 4, 2012 at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. They got to see what we were presenting during recruitment for the upcoming year, and then stay for sweet tea and desserts. Our parents event this year was the Parents’ Cocktail, held September 26th, 2012 at our house in the historic Seibels House and a bruch on Sunday for the parents and family at our house in greek village. We hold this event every year to allow parents to meet other sisters and also enjoy a social gathering. The night included food, presentations from our exec board, house tours and a tshirt sale to raise money for our philanthropy.

We hosted a Sister Sorority of the Month Event with Delta Zeta Feb 20th . We did a bonding evening at the KKG house where we learned about one another’s sororities and histories. There was dinner and dessert and then gave speeches to one another about what makes us who we are.

Sisterhood Events March 20th 2013 – Tye Dye Sisterhood Event – 90% attendance August 25th 2013 – Bid Day event at the Riverbanks Zoo, 100% attendance October 30th – Pumpkin Painting Sisterhood event – 90% attendance October 13th 2013– Founders Day Celebration – 90% attendance

Awards: -Received the Silver Excellence Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Academic Excellence Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Chapter Involvement Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Challenge The Process Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life -Received the Outstanding Academic Excellence Award at Mu Province Spring 2013 -Received the Most improved Advisor Relations Award at Mu Province Spring 2013

Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter. After gaining 110+ girls, our chapter meetings had to be held in the Nursing Building Auditorium to fit such a high capacity. USC is set to have Pi beta Phi on campus in the fall

Scholarship:

-Our chapter has continued to improve our GPA both semesters. Our chapter was ranked tenth out of all of the University of South Carolina’s sororities and fraternities for the spring of 2014 and ninth in the fall of 2014 in regards to GPA.

-Our chapter fostered academic growth through Geek of the Week, 4.0 gifts, Exam Breakers during exam week, Sweet Tea with KKG, Kappa Kappaccino, and study hours.

Awards:

-Received the Silver Excellence Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for both spring and fall 2014

-Honorable mention in Recruitment and Public Relations from the Kappa Kappa Gamma National Convention in June of 2014

-Voted “Best Sorority” of the University of South Carolina for Best of Carolina 2014

Leadership:

- National Conference in Houston, TX June 25-29th, 2014: Officers attended: President, Public Relations Chairman, Event Chairman, Marshal, Treasurer

- Leadership Academy September 11th-14th, 2014 attended by Taylor Kessock

-South Eastern Panhellenic Conference (SEPC) March 28-30th, 2014 attended by Lindsay Webb

- Student Leadership and Diversity Conference (SLDC) February 1st, 2014 attended by Taylor Kessock

Traditions:

-A sister presents Lady Minerva at each chapter meeting. One sister writes a letter in a journal to a sister who inspires her and then reads her letter aloud to the whole chapter. The sister who is written about writes about another sister and reads her note aloud at the next chapter and so on and so forth.

Programs:

-We hosted a Sister Sorority of the Month Event with Delta Zeta on Feb 20, 2014. We had an ice cream social at the Delta Zeta house where we learned about one another’s sororities and histories.

-Alumni Babysitting event planned by Amy Stonecipher.

-We placed 3rd at Greek Week in April 2014.

-Our parent’s event this year was the Parent’s Cocktail, held September 26, 2014 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The night included food, dancing, and a silent auction. The auction raised $3,000 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

-Our chapter placed second overall in USC’s Homecoming Competition by participating in events throughout Homecoming week with our Homecoming partners, Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma.

-Reinstallation of a Founder’s Day activity: we held a banquet at the Kappa house on October 19, 2014.

-Sisterhood Events

March 19th, 2014 – HiWire

September 30th, 2014 - Pinterest Party

October 2nd, 2014 - Cycling Class

November 18th and 20th, 2014 – UnWine

-Spring 2014 New Member Weekly Events:

• New Member Meetings are held every Sunday at 8pm in the Chapter Room (Kappa House)

• Meet with the different officers and discuss how their positions work and what you can learn from them in relation to Kappa

• Chapter Meetings are held every Monday at 8pm in the Chapter Room (Kappa House)

• Study Hours- 2/week (Library Logs in T-Coop and Kappa House)

-Fall 2014 New Member Weekly Events:

• New Member Meetings are held every Sunday at 8pm in the Chapter Room (Kappa House).

• Meet with the different officers and discuss how their positions work and what you can learn from them in relation to Kappa

• Chapter Meetings are held EVERY Monday at 8pm in the Chapter Room (Kappa House)

• Study Hours- 2/week (Library Logs in T-Coop and Kappa House)

-One Time New Member Events:

• New Member Retreat- October 4, 2014

• Learn about yourselves and the other members of your pledge class. Discuss and build upon what you and your pledge class want to contribute to the chapter as a whole. Sisterhood bonding and individual growth. The retreat involved low ropes courses which helped the new members learn to work together.

• Big/Little Reveal- April 3 (spring) and October 9 (fall)

• Initiation (OVERNIGHT)- April 4-5 (spring) and October 17-18 (fall)

-Functions:

• Spring: Mixer with Beta Theta Pi (Winter Olympics Themed), Kappa Kappa Gatsby, Sapphire Ball, Spring Luau/Senior Band

• Fall: Woodstock Function, Backwoods, Semiformal

Philanthropic Involvement:

-Members of our chapter participated in the University of South Carolina's Dance Marathon on March 1, 2014. Our team's fundraising contributed to Dance Marathon's total of $318,469 raised for Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

-Our chapter's Relay for Life team raised over $8,000. Relay for Life took place on April 4, 2014.

-Some of our sisters participated in Light the Night, a walk benefitting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, on October 30, 2014. Our team raised $4,405.

-This fall we held Kappa Kickoff, a flag football tournament open to all campus organizations, on November 7th, 2014. When advertising for this event we went to each campus organization that may be interested and gave our flyers & sign up sheets. We told them about the tournament and what the money would benefit. This event, in the past, gave money to a scholarship fund that we called the Hill Family Fund started by our chapter for the children of one of our former chefs who tragically passed away along with his wife in a car accident. Every year that we have held Kappa Kickoff we have invited the Hill family to come spend time with their Kappa family and to give the organizations involved a chance to meet the family that they are providing an education for. Through the support that the Hill family has received from Kappa Kickoff, they are now in a stable financial position. Because of this, we decided to use Kappa Kickoff to help another family in need. This year’s Kickoff benefited the family of Amy Hampton Knight Caldwell. Amy was a very active member of the Epsilon Kappa chapter, and she went on to become a Leadership Consultant after she graduated. Unfortunately, Amy was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and tragically passed away. Her death left her husband and two boys with expensive medical bills. We decided to donate the funds from Kappa Kickoff 2014 to help the family cover Amy’s medical bills. We raised over $3,500.

-We made weekly trips to read to the children at local elementary and middle schools. Participated in Reading Rocks a book drive event and celebration of reading at local elementary school.

-Through a combination of percent nights and other various philanthropic efforts we raised over $5,000 and divided it between RIF and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

Goals:

The three main goals from 2014 of the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma were as follows: make the chapter feel more involved in activities and reward those who participate, come closer to ritual, and improve attendance at events. During recruitment we took over an hour to work through different sections of chapter life and take suggestions from people on philanthropy events, socials etc. This lead to the alumni babysitting event Amy Stonecipher planned, as well as the ticket system Katie O’Donovan, our VP of Organization invented. In order to come closer to ritual, Maggie Reade announced Kappa facts at every chapter meeting, and asked a question to get people involved in fun aspects of our ritual. A reward was given at the end of the semester for those who answered the question. We restructured ritual reviews so that there was a reflection question on what Kappa means to you. There was reinstallation of doing a founder's day activity; this year we held a banquet for our Founder’s Day. To improve attendance and efficiency of taking attendance, we adopted a ticket system, EventBrite makes taking attendance extremely easy. We restructured bylaws so that attendance at chapter is more mandatory and worth our members’ time. Before members were allowed two unexcused absences per semester and could send in excuses to the Recording Secretary if they had a reason for missing. Now, all members have three absences per semester, excused or unexcused.

With our newly renovated house, we were able to begin having chapter and all other meetings at our house. Our chapter welcomed our largest pledge class yet with 131 new members. Pi Beta Phi colonized in the Fall of 2014, becoming the twelfth Panhellenic sorority at the University of South Carolina. Members of our chapter supported them through social media and by wearing Pi Beta Phi buttons on our backpacks.

Our chapter holds chapter meetings in our house. Our chapter has its own house in the Greek Village. The land the house is on is owned by the University of South Carolina but each house in the Greek Village is privately owned and operated by an Alumni House Corporation. 20 sisters live in our house along with our house mom. Our chapter has only owned this one house throughout its history.

Scholarship:

- Our chapter was ranked fourteenth out of all of the University of South Carolina’s sororities and fraternities for the spring of 2015.

-Our chapter fostered academic growth through Geek of the Week, 4.0 gifts, Kappa Kappaccino, Sweet Tea with KKG , Study Groups for New Members, Trivia, Yoga to foster healthy minds and bodies, and study hours.

-Our Vice President of Academic Excellence utilized an app called MyGreekStudy to keep track of study hours instead of the old fashioned paper logging system previously used.

Awards:

-Received the Silver Excellence Award, Greek Unity Award, and Philanthropy Award from The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for spring 2015.

-Voted “Best Sorority” of the University of South Carolina for Best of Carolina 2015 for the third year in a row.

Leadership:

- Leadership Academy attended by Lindsay Bratun.

-Southeastern Pan-Hellenic Conference (SEPC) March 26-28, 2015 attended by Alex Hiser.

Traditions:

-A sister presents Lady Minerva at each chapter meeting. One sister writes a letter in a journal to a sister who inspires her and then reads her letter aloud to the whole chapter. The sister who is written about writes about another sister and reads her note aloud at the next chapter and so on and so forth.

-PR Star of the Month: every chapter meeting, a different sister with exceptional social media is given this title.

-Supportive Sister: every chapter meeting, a different sister who has been recommended for this award is named the Supportive Sister of the week, meaning she has gone above and beyond to help her sisters.

-Pan-Hell Princess award is given at chapter to the most widely involved sister of the week.

-Little sisters paint wooden keys for Big Appreciation Day (December 2, 2015).

Programs:

-Chapter Meetings are held every Monday at 8pm in the Chapter Room of the Kappa House.

-Our parent’s event this year was the Parent’s Cocktail, which was held September 25, 2015. The event took place at the Hampton Preston Mansion; the night was filled with dancing, desserts, and most importantly, time spent with sisters and their families.

-Epsilon Kappa Founders Day Celebration: Cookies and cake were served with a yummy dinner. Sisters wore their letters to classes to celebrate our 48th Founders Day!

-Founders Day Celebration: The Education Chairman presented the Voyage of Discovery PowerPoint and the Ritual Chairman performed ritual at the Kappa house on October 14, 2015. Also as part of our Heritage Workshop, our chapter watched the Founders Day 2015 video. There was a Founder’s Day cake served at dinner the night before.

-Our Sisterhood Chairman planned many fun events, such as Hot Yoga, for our sisters!

-Senior Sisterhood Events

Photo Shoot Bowling Hiking Senior Tea Manicures and Pedicures Exercise Class Pot Luck Dinner

-Senior Programming Events

Finance Presentation Self Defense Cooking Class

-Senior Gifts

Spring: Shutterfly Scrap Book Fall: Coordinates (of the Kappa House) Cuff Bracelets

-Fall 2015 New Member Weekly Events:

New Member Meetings are held every Sunday in the Chapter Room of the Kappa House.

Meet with the different officers and discuss how their positions work and what you can learn from them in relation to Kappa

Learn about our sisterhood and what it means to be a Kappa

-One Time New Member Events:

• Big/Little Reveal- October 13

• Initiation (Overnight)

o Spring (took place at Furman): February 27-28

o Fall: I-Week leading up to Initiation Sleepover and Initiation on October 16-17 followed by Initiation Brunch

-Functions:

• Spring:

o 1/22 Paint Party with Phi Sigma Kappa

o 2/21 Mardi Gras Function

o 4/11 Sapphire Ball/Formal: Kappa Kasino Royale

o 4/27 Kappas of the Caribbean (seniors recognized)

• Fall:

o 9/10 Fall Band

o 10/30 Backwoods

o 11/13 Semi Formal

Special Events

-Participated in Greek Week with our partners: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Iota Alpha, and Phi Sigma Kappa

Philanthropic Involvement:

-Donated to Lambda Chi Food Drive in February

-3/16-3/20 Participated in TKE Week (Benefitting St. Jude’s)

-3/16-3/20 Participated in Kappa Delta’s Shamrock Week (Benefiting Prevent Child Abuse America)

-3/20 Successful percent night at Jason’s Deli

-3/21 Members of our chapter participated in the University of South Carolina's Dance Marathon; our chapter’s team raised $8,622 that was contributed to University of South Carolina Dance Marathon's total of $501,528 raised for Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. For 2016’s Dance Marathon, Our chapter posted a tweet that for each time retweeted, we would donate $0.20 to Dance Marathon. The tweet raised $133.60 for 2016’s Dance Marathon.

-3/22-3/26 Participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days (Benefiting Huntsman Cancer Foundation)

-Our chapter created a team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Campus Walk and our team raised $2,338 for the foundation.

-4/4-4/17 April Book Drive for Midlands Reading Consortium program. Our chapter held a Greek-wide book drive in the spring, during which we collected over 250 books to be distributed to underprivileged children in local schools.

-4/14 Percent night at Salsarita’s

-4/15 Members of our chapter participated in Walk a Mile in Their Shoes.

-April Candy Grams for Reading is Fundamental.

-4/17 Our chapter's Relay for Life team raised $4,091. The money we raised was donated to The American Cancer Society.

-10/29 Our chapter created a team for Light the Night, a walk benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our team raised over $4,700 and was the third top fundraising team of the Columbia walk. Our sister Allegra Marino was one of the Top Fundraising Club Members, raising over $2,000.

-10/20 and 10/27 Brookland-Cayce (BC) Grammar Parenting Session Babysitting

-10/27 Percent Night at PDQ

-10/29 Trick or Treat with the Greeks

-11/3 BC Grammar Parenting Session Babysitting

-This fall we held Kappa Kickoff, a flag football tournament open to all campus organizations, on November 7, 2015. This year we decided that the money raised through Kappa Kickoff would be donated to our new chapter philanthropy, the SEGA Girls School. Our chapter had t-shirts and buttons made to promote the event. Aspyre, an apartment complex in the Columbia area, had a table and handed out drinks. Cromers, a local gourmet shop, sponsored our event as well. PDQ donated to our event as well and provided the lunches served to our sisters. The Philanthropy Committee set up a corn hole set that people could play for one ticket which cost one dollar. There were also various raffles for prizes such as a free spray tan, restaurant and grocery store gift cards, and a spa gift card. Each entry into the raffle cost $1. The weather was a little dicey, but our sisters and the Kappa Kickoff teams had a wonderful time together raising money for the SEGA Girls School.

-11/9 Harvest for Hope Food Bank (40 sisters)

-11/10 BC Grammar Parenting Session Babysitting

-11/10-11/13 Percent Days at Glowout Salon

-11/16 BC Grammar Fitness Night

-11/17 BC Grammar Parenting Session Babysitting

-11/16-11/20 Pencils and Compliments on Greene Street

-12/2 Percent Night at Southern Squeezed

-We made weekly trips to read to the children at local elementary and middle schools.

Goals:

Three of the goals that Epsilon Kappa worked to achieve this year were: try to take all of our sisters’ ideas into account, promote more of Kappa’s ideals during recruitment, and to remind ourselves of our values and why we were founded throughout the year. Our social chairman often created chapter surveys to decide function themes and Chapter Council created a survey at the end of the spring semester to hear the chapter’s concerns. Also, sisters received support when they came forth with ideas, and concerns of members were taken seriously and addressed. Lastly, our chapter had a successful values-based recruitment. Kappa Leadership Consultant, Whitney, and a representative from Kappa Kappa Gamma Headquarters, Marty, assisted us through the recruitment process, guiding us by Kappa’s values. We began recruitment by discussing what values matter most to us. As a result, we now have 113 wonderful new sisters. We reminded ourselves of our ideals by trying to uphold them throughout the year. Many sisters partook or started movements or events that have positively impacted our chapter and the University of South Carolina campus. Dropping out of the Homecoming competition was another way that our chapter stayed true to our values. Our words and actions inspired each other to be sisterly and represent Kappa to the best of our ability.

Our chapter welcomed a pledge class of 113 new members into our sisterhood this year. A Kappa sister transferred to South Carolina from Georgia Southern and was accepted into our chapter. It was very special since we already shared a bond of sisterhood with her! The state of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina, and our chapter faced hardship when Hurricane Joaquin ultimately caused catastrophic flooding, especially in Columbia and Charleston. Our sisters came together to collect various necessities, including clothing, food, and toiletries, for the victims of the flood. Many sisters volunteered their time and effort, aiding the recovery efforts of the city.

Our chapter dropped out of the University of South Carolina’s Homecoming Week competition due to how the Homecoming Commission handled events throughout the week. We strongly believe in the four pillars that guide our Greek Community: leadership, scholarship, friendship, and service. In dedication to those pillars and standing in solidarity with everyone that is included in the Greek Community, NPC and NPHC organizations alike, we believed it was the best plan of action to withdraw from Homecoming and act out our vision for a community based on mutual understanding and support to all.

Also, our House Director and Chapter Council worked together to introduce the film, The Hunting Ground to our chapter as well as other chapters in the Greek Community. Counselors and other qualified personnel spoke to us about sexual assault, how to prevent it, and the actions to take if assaulted. They were available to speak to any members of our chapter after the showing. Our chapter signed an It’s On Us banner with the pledge painted on it as a sign of our dedication to end sexual assault.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community? SEGA Girls School, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Reading is Fundamental

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?

Our chapter chooses to support Reading is Fundamental (RIF) because it is Kappa Kappa Gamma’s partner. RIF is wonderful because it gives underprivileged children the gift of reading and it unites all Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters together. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation is also important to our chapter since one never knows when she will be in need of her sisters’ help. We are all sisters and supporting each other during difficult times is important to us. Our chapter voted on a new chapter philanthropy this year that we plan to continue to support. The result of the vote was the SEGA Girls School, a residential secondary school for bright motivated Tanzanian girls who otherwise are unable to attend school due to extreme poverty. We felt that the SEGA Girls School ties into RIF since The SEGA Girls School values the education of disadvantaged youth like RIF does. Also, The SEGA Girls School is an organization that our fundraising could really make a difference for.

Scholarship

Our chapter's average GPA of 3.51 was ranked 5th out of the 12 Panhellenic sororities at the end of the spring semester. We focused on academic growth through Geek of the Week, 4.0 gifts, Kappa Kappaccino, Sweet Tea with KKG, study groups for the new members, and chapter-wide study hours. For Kappa Kappaccino and Sweet Tea with KKG, members were encouraged to invite a professor to the house for refreshments in order to encourage socialization outside of the classroom. We had the goal to earn 1870 study hours on the app called MyGreekStudy during Academic Excellence Month (February), and we rented out a study room in Thomas Cooper Library on Sunday nights.

Awards

Voted Best Sorority on Campus by the Columbia community for the fourth year in a row!

Awarded for our Achievement in Involvement and Achievement in Scholarship by USC's Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Recruitment Award Winner, Honorable Mention for Standards Award, and for the Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Award at Convention.

Richland One School District recognized us for Continuous Involvement with Reading Rocks.

Literacy Leaders Award from USC College of Library and Information Sciences.

Our sister Megan O'Brien was given the Courage Award for It's On Us from Joe Biden.

Leadership

Leadership Academy attended by Grace Chadwick.

Southeastern Panhellenic Conference (SEPC) attended by Libby Allen.

Lindsay Webb appointed to be a Leadership Consultant.

71st Biennial Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention attended by Emily Fuldner, Libby Allen, Taylor Kane, and Lindsay Bratun, where we won the Recruitment Award

Traditions

At each chapter, the Lady Minerva stands up and reads aloud a meaningful letter that she wrote for a sister that is important to her. The sister who is written about becomes the new Lady Minerva and takes possession of the journal in which all the letters are written. She will write her own letter to a different sister and present her it at the following chapter. Geek of the Week acknowledges a sister for her academic achievement. She is awarded a Starbucks giftcard at chapter for her achievement. Pan-Hell Princess was started back up in March. This award is given at chapter to acknowledge a sister that has participated in various Panhellenic events. Senior spotlight highlights a senior's academic achievement and favorite Kappa memory on the chapter's Instagram page. Jars for sister shout-outs and prayer requests are located in the Chapter room. Sister shout-outs are read aloud at chapter. Cards are sent to families in regard to prayer requests. Risk Minute was started back up during the spring to encourage safety precautions. Our chapter President sends out a newsletter to everyone after chapter with weekly news.

Programs

Chapter meetings held every Monday night at 8 pm in the Chapter Room of the Kappa House. Parents' cocktail was held at 701 Whaley on September 16, 2016. Sisters and their family members enjoyed yummy desserts, a live band, a photobooth, and other fun activities. Epsilon Kappa Founders Day Celebration: Cake and candy were served with dinner. Sisters wore their stitched letters to class to celebrate our 49th Founders Day! Our Education Chairman planned a separate celebration that got cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew; however, our chapter celebrated Founders Day at our Initiation Brunch. Our sisterhood committee worked together to plan exciting sisterhood events throughout the year. Our sisters participated in yoga, Barre3, pilates, kickboxing, self defense, movie nights, a day trip to Charleston, pottery, iceskating, and many other fun activities together. Our Chaplain holds weekly Bible study sessions in the yellow room of the Kappa house on Wednesday nights at 8 pm.

Senior Sisterhood events include: Senior Tea; Mad Platter; Photoshoot; Yoga

Senior Programming events include: Senior Superlatives; Senior Wills; attending the Initiation sleepover to bond with New Members

Senior gifts include: bracelets with the coordinates of the Kappa House

Fall 2016 New Member Events

New Member information meetings were held every Sunday night in the chapter room of the Kappa house. New Members learned the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma and what it means to be a woman in Kappa. New Members also learned about our own chapter through presentations made by various sisters with Chapter Council positions.

One Time New Member Events: Sisterhood potluck event; Big/Little Reveal; Initiation (Oct 22, 2016, following I-Week, Fireside, and the Initiation sleepover); the Initiation Brunch was held the day after Initiation with all of our sisters and several alumnae; New Member Retreat (overnight trip held on November 5, 2016 - New Members spent the night in cabins which allowed them to further bond with the sisters in their NM class).

Kappa Trainer Events

2/7/16 on Social Media

4/10/16 on Bystander Accountability

11/7/16 Alcohol Training

Functions and Special Events

-Spring: Mixer with Lambda Chi Alpha #throwbackthursday; Every Day's a Holiday Function; Red Carpet Formal at Williams-Brice Stadium -Fall: Sweet Home Carolina; Backwoods; Semi Formal

-3/21-24/16: Participated in Greek Week; a week long event to unite the USC Greek community. This year the overall theme was Disney. Our chapter was teamed with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Beta Sigma, and our specific theme was Snow White. Events from this week included: A blood drive, Night at Strom, a cultural food fest, and Greek Sing.

-10/31/16 - 11/4/16: Homecoming Week, partners with the Club Hockey team; first time in history that a sorority was not paired with a fraternity. Overall we came in 4th place and got 2nd in the float building contest!

Philanthropy

Our chapter chose to support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Reading is Fundamental because these are Kappa's two national philanthropies. We love being able to help our own sisters that are in need through the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Giving back to them is so special especially when they have given so much to this organization. In addition, we choose to support Reading is Fundamental (RIF) because it is so important that all children are given the resources necessary to learn how to read. We love how we can see the impact of our philanthropy throughout our own community's primary schools. We get to travel to different schools throughout South Carolina through Cocky's Reading Express and deliever books to children in need. Seeing our direct impact to a cause that is so important makes our philanthropy so special. At the beginning of this year, we were also supporting the SEGA Girls School which is located in Tanzania; however, our chapter voted to currently stop our support to this organization. Although it is for a good cause, our chapter has decided that we want to get more involved with local organizations so that we can make more of a direct impact. As of now, we have not added a new chapter philanthropy; however, this is something we look forward to doing in the near future.

Our chapter held a Lip Sync Battle as our main Philanthropy event in the spring. Various teams signed up to perform in front of a large audience in the Russell House Ballroom. Our Philanthropy Committee paired with Carolina Productions in order to successfully pull off this new event. As a result, this event encouraged all students at the University of South Carolina to participate instead of just the Greek Community. Members in our chapter participated by being team captains for the participating teams and selling tickets at the door of the event. This event was very fun for everyone involved and our chapter was able to raise a total of $2,001.85 for Reading is Fundamental. Other involvement included: Cupcake Sendout during finals, raised $384 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation; Successful Village Idiot percent night; Many of our members participated in the University of South Carolina's Dance Marathon all-nighter event. In order to participate in the event, you were required to raise $119; however, many chose to raise much more than this minimum. Our chapter's team was able to raise a record amount of $15,337 towards the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals; Our chapter also made a team that raised a total of $1,970.30 for the all-nighter Relay for Life event which directly benefitted the American Cancer Society. Our team wore the color Amber to specifically represent appendix cancer; Various sisters participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk to directly benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Participated in the local event "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" to benefit Sexual Trauma Services in the Midlands; Participated in Sigma Chi's Derby Day events to benefit the Children Network of Miracle Hospitals; Various sisters attended Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Eplison Pi's event "Poker and Pearls" to benefit the American Diabetes Association; Sisters participated in Kappa Delta's Shamrock Week events to benefit Confiedence Coalition; A team of sisters participated in Chi Omega's "War of the Wings" to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation; Supported USC's Panhellenic philanthropy during Circle of Sisterhood Week; Our chapter participated in the RIF event "Reading Rocks" to benefit schools in Richland County School District One. We went to the Sanders Middle School Campus to give away free books and assist with various games and fun activities; Participated in Lambda Chi Alpha's Watermelon smash event to benefit their philanthropy; Participated in Theta Chi's Hope for Hoag event; Sisters participated in Phi Mu's Bonnamu event benefitting the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals; Successful Five Below percent days; Participated in Alpha Chi Omega's Paint War benefitting Domestic Violence Awareness; Various sisters raised $5,321 for the event "Light the Night" to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Successful percent night at Entourage; A team participated in Chi Omega's Cookoff event to benefit Make a Wish; Donated to Pike's Powderpuff football event to benefit their philanthropy; Our chapter's main philanthropy event in the fall was our annual Kappa Kickoff. Various teams signed up to participate in our flag football tournament. We included fun activities such as face painting, balloon darts, cornhole, etc. In total, we were able to raise $1,406 towards Reading is Fundamental. The T-shirts for this event added $434 in proceeds; Donated $3,690 of extra money in our Fall budget to Dance Marathon. With this donation our chapter will get our logo advertised at the event.

Goals

During 2016, our chapter had two main goals. Our first goal was to improve involvement throughout our entire chapter. Since our chapter is so large, it can often be difficult for everyone to feel as if their individual voice is being heard. This year, we aimed to keep everyone involved by using the entire chapter's opinion on big ideas and decisions. In addition, we decided to make certain positions such as our t-shirt, banner, and intramural sports chairs semester-long terms. As a result, more of our sisters were able to hold these leadership positions since they were changed more frequently. In addition, more of our Chapter Council positions such as Treasurer, Membership, and New Member offered assistant positions to sisters in our chapter. Girls that were chosen as assistants got to work on big assignments more closely with girls on Chapter Council. Our other main goal for this year was to improve our overall philanthropic involvement. At the beginning of the year, we were benefitting our two national philanthropies plus the SEGA girls school. In the spring, our chapter voted to discontinue our involvement with the SEGA girls school so that we could focus our attention more to our main two philanthropies and possibly a more local philanthropy in the near future. Although we have not yet decided on a new philanthropy for our chapter, we were able to get more involved with the local Reading Rocks events. In addition, we added a successful philanthropy event in the spring which we plan to make an annual event for our chapter. Our sisters worked together to make these decisions that would be in the best interest of our chapter as a whole.

This August we had a very successful recruitment and welcomed 114 new members into the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In addition, we welcomed two temporary exchange students into our sisterhood; one from California State Northridge and another from the University of Kentucky. Both of these girls were welcomed into our sisterhood this August, and they are planning to stay for one semester before returning to their original schools.

This fall, our campus welcomed Alpha Xi Delta into our Greek community. The University of South Carolina now offers thirteen different Panhellenic sororities to its students. During the beginning of October, our campus experienced the consequences of yet another natural disaster. Hurricane Matthew closed campus for three entire days at the beginning of October. Thankfully, the city of Columbia was not directly affected by the storm; however, Charleston and other coastal areas in South Carolina were impacted by devastating flooding. Once again our campus was able to assist our neighboring communities that were directly affected by this hurricane.

This fall, our Sorority Council took the initiative to enact a Greek-wide plan that ensures safer Greek events. Under this new plan, events must be approved by the University of South Carolina's Fraternity and Sorority Life a few weeks prior to the actual event. Events are only approved if they follow strict guidelines in order to ensure the safety of its participants. Each week, a list of the approved events are sent out to the members in Greek organizations, discouraging the attendance of events that do not follow the University's regulations.

Scholarship

-Our chapter's average GPA of 3.48 was ranked 5th out of the 13 Panhellenic sororities at the end of the spring semester and ranked 7th overall Panhellenic Sororities and Fraternities. -We focused on academic growth through Geek of the Week, 4.0 gifts, Kappa Kappaccino, Sweet Tea with KKG, study groups for the new members. We also introduced smarty pants as an award once a month. -For Kappa Kappaccino and Sweet Tea with KKG, members were encouraged to invite a professor to the house for refreshments in order to encourage socialization outside of the classroom. -We also created an EK Kappa Google Drive to allow all members to access sisters’ teacher recommendations, class recommendations and other very helpful academic resources.

Awards

-This year our university changed the date of the award ceremony to the spring so we won’t know any of the awards we won until this spring.

Leadership

-Leadership Academy attended by Kat Gerrity. -Coalition for Collegiate Women’s Leadership was attended by Lulu Hawken and Lindsay Bratun. -Kappa Leadership Conference- Attended by Beth Pochè, Kristin Stotler, Brenna Shipman, Kate Jepson, and Olivia King

Traditions

-At each chapter, the Lady Minerva stands up and reads aloud a meaningful letter that she wrote for a sister that is important to her. The sister who is written about becomes the new Lady Minerva and takes possession of the journal in which all the letters are written. She will write her own letter to a different sister and present her it at the following chapter. -Geek of the Week acknowledges a sister for her academic achievement. She is awarded a giftcard at chapter for her achievement. - Our Vice President of Academic Excellence added “Smarty Pants” to chapter once a month. This award is presented to one sister who has excelled in academics. She is awarded with a pair of smarty pants (underwear) of her choosing. -Our Chapter Recording Secretary sends out a newsletter to everyone after chapter with the weekly news. - Supportive sister is nominated weekly and is awarded the Supportive Bar.

Programs -Chapter meetings held every Sunday night at 7 pm in the Chapter Room of the Kappa House. -Epsilon Kappa Celebrated our 50th anniversary. Founders Day Celebration: We had a huge Gala weekend planned by our Education Chair and active alums. We had a Welcome Event at the Top of Carolina on Friday, February the 17th, then on Saturday, February the 18th Alums were welcomed to tour the Kappa House, and the night was ended with a Golden Key Gala where sisters danced, took pictures, and listened to stories from alum. -Recruitment workshops were held early in the spring semester to prepare members for the upcoming fall recruitment process. -Parent's cocktail was held at the State Museum on October 6, 2017. Sisters and their family members enjoyed yummy desserts, a dj, and other fun activities. -Founders Day Celebration was held on October 10th during Inspiration Week. Our Education Chair planned a fun educational slideshow followed by cake and conversations between sisters. -Our sisterhood committee worked together to plan exciting sisterhood events throughout the year. Our sisters participated in cycle classes, ice cream parties, bachelor watch parties, a trip to a pumpkin patch, a barre class held in the Kappa house to help benefit Dance Marathon, -Our Chaplin holds weekly Bible study sessions in the yellow room of the Kappa house on Monday nights at 8 pm. -Every Tuesday at 3:30 there is a nutrition committee meeting to talk about the menu for the next week

Seniors

Senior Sisterhood events include: Senior Tea; Sweat Cycle Class; Senior Recognition; Barre Class at the Kappa House. Senior Programming events include: Senior Superlatives; Senior Wills ; attending the Initiation sleepover to bond with New Members. Senior gifts include: gold bracelets with a fleur de lis on them.

Fall 2017 New Member Weekly Events

New Member information meetings held every Wednesday night in the chapter room of the Kappa house. New Members learned the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma and what it means to be a woman in Kappa. New Members also learned about our own chapter through presentations made by various sisters with Chapter Council positions.

One Time New Member Events

Big/Little Reveal: October 05, 2017; Initiation: On October 14, 2017, following I-Week, Fireside, and the Initiation sleepover. The Initiation Brunch was held the day after Initiation with all of our sisters and several alumnae; Alcohol Education: On 11/15/2017 New Members attended an alcohol education seminar; New Member Retreat: Overnight trip held on November 4, 2017. New members spent the night in cabins which allowed them to further bond with the sisters in their pledge class.

Kappa Trainer Events 9/24/17 One Love came and taught us about warning signs of unhealthy relationships and what healthy relationship looks like; 10/15/17 on best places to live on and off campus and sisters shared their experiences with internships.

Functions Spring: 2/11/17 Dynamic Duos; 3/24/17 Kappa Kup; 4/21/17 Masquerade Formal.

Fall: 9/15/17 That’s So 1870’s Show; 11/17/17 Backwoods; 12/1/17 Semi Formal; 12/7/17 Rock and Roll Mixer with Sig Ep.

Special Events

4/10-14/17: Participated in Greek Week; a week-long event to unite the USC Greek community. This year the overall theme was 90’s Throwback. Our chapter was teamed with Kappa Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Events from this week included: A blood drive, Night at Strom, a cultural food fest, and Greek Sing; 10/23-27/17: Homecoming Week, partners with the Phi Kappa Tau. Overall we came in 3rd place and got 2nd in the float building contest!

Philanthropic Involvement

Spring: This spring out chapter had many difficulties trying to put on our regular spring philanthropy of Lip Sync Battle, so we decided to create a new event called Kappa Cookies. We had an extended bake sale, for three days we tabled on our campus’s busiest street selling baked good that sisters baked themselves; 2/25/2017: Many sisters participated in USC’s Dance Marathon; this event was able to raise over $700,000; 3/1/2017: Sisters attended a percent night at Village Idiot Pizza to support Circle of Sisterhood; 3/16/2017: A Literacy is Key event was held at AC Moore Elementary; 4/5/2017: We as a chapter voted to skip a meal at the house and donate the $800 to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This same night we hosted a Percent night at Village Idiot Pizza for RIF and raised $286 from our pizza orders; 4/7/2017: Many sisters participated in UCS’s Relay For Life

Fall: 9/20/2017: Phi Mu’s Bonnamu was held to support Children’s Miracle Network; 9/21/2017: Successful Petal Percent night; 9/26/2017: Pelicans Percent night; 9/27/2017: Barefoot Percent night; 9/29/2017: Barbeque for Books was our main philanthropy event for the fall semester. It was advertised for far in advance, so other members of the Greek community could purchase tickets. Tickets could also be purchased at the door as well! It was held at a music venue in Columbia called Breakers Live. There was a band and unlimited food with purchase of a ticket. Sisters came out enjoyed the music, food, conversation, and supporting RIF. The event was a success we were able to raise $2,863 for RIF; 9/30/2017: Many sisters supported St. Jude at Delta Delta Delta’s Game Day event at Jake’s on Devine; 10/9/2017: Pelicans Percent Night; 10/24/2017: Vestique percent night; 10/25/2017: We participated in Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks, which was a Homecoming event that invites the local community children to come and trick-or-treats; 10/27/2017: A group of sisters went to Satchel Ford Elementary and volunteered at their Fall Festival. Sisters helped with a variety of different stations; 11/15/2017: A team participated in Chi Omega's Cookoff event to benefit Make a Wish and was awarded 3rd place.

Our chapter choose to support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Reading is Fundamental because these are Kappa's two national philanthropies. We love being able to help our own sisters that are in need through the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Giving back to them is so special especially when they have given so much to this organization. In addition, we choose to support Reading is Fundamental (RIF) because it is so important that all children are given the resources necessary to learn how to read. We love how we can see the impact of our philanthropy throughout our own community's primary schools. We get to travel to different schools throughout South Carolina through Cocky's Reading Express and deliver books to children in need. Seeing our direct impact to a cause that is so important makes our philanthropy so special. At the beginning of the year we also voted on whether to host Girls Academy. We all saw this as an amazing opportunity to help young women in our community. We as not only college women, but sorority women have so much to offer young minds. We have the power to inspire these young girls in such an important time of growth in their lives. We are so excited to be active in so many amazing philanthropies.

This fall, our campus experienced the consequences of yet another natural disaster. Hurricane Irma closed campus for two entire days the weekend after labor day. Thankfully, the city of Columbia was not directly affected by the storm; however, other coastal areas in South Carolina were impacted by flooding and strong winds. Once again our campus was able to assist our neighboring communities that were directly affected by this hurricane.

Goals

During 2017, our chapter had two main goals. Our first goal was to improve communication throughout our entire chapter We noticed that we had so many different forms of communication. We had two Facebook pages; one was the EK Facebook page, and the other is Kappa Klassifieds Facebook page. We also created a Google Drive created for all members, and we also use GinSystem. The Ek page was for all important announcements, updates from officers, philanthropy information, and minutes were posted there as well. It was a great resource but we found it lacked many of the feature that GinSystem already had and we are all paying for GinSystem, so we as a chapter council decided to delete the EK Facebook and take full advantage of Gin. This way we can streamline information to all members. Now Gynsystem is the go to place for everything. Members can check in to mandatory events here, look at the calendar and find all the events happening in the month. Also, anyone can post announcements on the board similar to the EK Facebook page. We still have out Kappa Klassified Facebook page, which is where sisters can ask other sisters about Columbia recommendations, teacher recommendations, questions, and where members can go to sell their loved Kappa apparel. We also use the Google Drive, which is where all things academic are held. There are teacher recommendations, class recommendations, and other helpful tips to help with some of the most difficult courses. Our second goal was, as a chapter council, be as transparent to all members as we possibly could. To do this we presented on the budget so members know exactly where their money is going when they pay dues. We also did presentations on standards expectations, so there is no confusion on what is expected when it comes to the standards process. Lastly, we did presentations on PR and risk reminders before especially high risk periods like spring break, first game day, Halloween, and functions. We all worked together to try and enact these and many other small changes throughout our chapter, to try and create the best and most effective chapter we could.

Recruitment

This year’s recruitment was a values based recruitment. The Colligate Panhellenic Association decided to switch the sisterhood and philanthropy round. This August we had a very successful recruitment and welcomed 118 new members into the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma on Bid Day.

Chapter Facility

Our chapter regularly meets in the chapter room of the Kappa House. We are lucky enough to be one of the only sororities on our campus that has a big enough room to accommodate for our entire chapter at once. For informal chapter, we sit around our tables, on the floor, or on the couches. For formal chapter, we will arrange chairs into rows throughout the entire room so that everyone has a seat. There is a new stage at the front of the room that member present on. We usually display a powerpoint for chapter notes across the back wall so that everyone can follow along. We occasionally have paper chapters which means that only the most important things are presented and the rest of the announcements are provided in our newsletter. This not only insures an efficient chapter meeting, but it also encourages members to read the newsletter.

Chapter and School Timeline

Chapter Council meetings at 5pm on Sundays

Chapter meetings at 7pm on Sundays

Standards meetings at 7pm on Mondays

House Board meetings one Tuesday per month

1/16/18 – first day of class

1/28/18 – sisterhood chair, t-shirt chair, banner chair, outreach chair, percent night chair, and philanthropy public relations chair announced

2/4/18 – new member assistants announced

2/11/18 – committees announced

2/18/18 – Epsilon Kappa’s founders’ day

2/25/28 – new member recruitment workshop

3/4/18 – Daily Gamecock announces KKG as USC’s best sorority

3/10/18 to 3/18/18 – spring break

3/21/18 to 3/23/18 – inspiration period

3/25/18 – new member recruitment workshop

4/22/18 – chapter-wide recruitment workshop

4/27/18 – philanthropy hours due

4/29/18 – makeup recruitment workshop

4/30/18 – last day of class

4/30/18 nominating committee chair elected

5/1/18 – reading day

5/2/18 to 5/9/18 – final exams

5/11/18 – payment application plan due

5/11/18 – status applications due

5/11/18 to 5/12/18 – Spring Commencement

8/6/18 – House live-in girls and Chapter Council move-in

8/8/18 to 8/15/18 – recruitment workshop

8/16/18 – 8/17/18 – round 1 of formal recruitment

8/18/18 – 8/19/18 – round 2 of formal recruitment

8/20/18 – 8/22/18 – round 3 of formal recruitment

8/22/18 – new student convocation

8/23/18 – first day of class

8/25/18 – preference round of formal recruitment

8/26/18 – Bid Day

8/28/18 – new member pinning

8/29/18 – makeup new member pinning

9/4/18 – 10/9/18 – new member meetings held on Tuesdays of this period

9/7/18 – new member retreat

9/9/18 – event assistant, percent night chair, outreach chair, and philanthropy public relations chair announced

9/16/18 – initiation review

9/17/18 – fireside review

9/18/18 – initiation review

9/19/18 – initiation review

9/23/18 – committees announced, homecoming and dance chairs announced

9/24/18 – initiation and fireside review

9/25/18 – fireside review

9/26/18 – initiation review

9/30/18 – initiation review

10/1/18 – initiation and fireside review

10/3/18 – initiation review

10/5/18 – 10/7/18 – parent’s weekend

10/7/18 – nominating committee elected

10/7/18 – initiation and fireside review

10/8/18 – initiation review

10/9/18 – big little reveal

10/10/18 to 10/12/18 – composite pictures taken

10/12/18 – fireside

10/13/18 – initiation

10/14/18 – individual slate and preference forms due

10/14/18 – initiation brunch

10/18/18 to 10/21/18 – fall break

11/4/18 – formal chapter ritual review

11/4/18 – presidency bylaw voted on

11/6/18 – no class because of general elections

11/11/18 – slate presented

11/18/18 – chapter elections

11/21/18 to 11/25/18 – thanksgiving break

11/26/18 to 11/30/18 – big appreciation week

11/26/18 – house contracts are submitted

11/27/18 – makeup composite pictures are taken

12/1/18 – status applications due

12/2/18 – leadership day for new officers

12/2/18 – installation of new officers

12/7/18 – last day of class

12/10/18 to 12/17/18 – finals exams

Special Events

• 2/11/18 – Behind Happy Faces programming seminar - All freshmen and sophomore members attended this seminar focusing on how to deal with mental illness and how to help sisters struggling with it.

• 2/14/18 – 50 Shades of Grey premier sisterhood event

• 2/22/18 – Good Will Hunting function

• 3/28/18 – Sweet Tea with KKG

• 3/29/18 – Glow with the Flow function

• 4/8/18 – senior sisterhood event: Senior Tea

• 4/9/18 to 4/13/18 – Greek Week - Kappa was partnered with Theta Chi and Iota Phi Alpha, Main events of the week were a social media competition, a blood drive, Night at Strom, MGC Cultural Food Fest, Greek Life Through the Ages presentation, and Greek Sing (a dance and lip-singing competition between the teams), Kappa won a Delta Zeta social media challenge with Pelican’s so $100 was donated to RIF

• 4/11/18 – senior sisterhood event: Mad Platter

• 4/13/18 – strawberry picking sisterhood event

• 4/14/18 – formal

• 4/19/18 – Fireflies baseball game sisterhood event

• 4/30/18 – Pelicans Snowballs and Sweat Cycle class exam breaker

• 5/1/18 – Cool Beans tab exam breaker

• 5/2/18 – exam goody bags and Insomnia cookies exam breaker

• 5/3/18 – Starbucks exam breaker

• 5/4/18 – piñata exam breaker

• 9/14/18 – Kant Be Tamed function

• 9/30/18 – pumpkin patch sisterhood event

• 10/4/18 – t-shirt swap sisterhood event

• 10/5/18 – Parent’s Cocktail - During Parent’s Weekend, all families were invited to a social event that included dinner, dancing, and conversations.

• 10/7/18 – parent house tour - During Parent’s Weekend, all families were invited to the house for a presentation on what it means to be in a sorority, information on what dues are spent on, and to explore the rooms of the house.

• 10/10/18 – movie night with insomnia sisterhood event

• 10/11/18 – roller skating sisterhood event

• 10/21/18-10/27/18 – homecoming week, Kappa was partnered with Delta Kappa Epsilon, Main events of the week were the Kickoff Carnival, Spurs and Struts (a dance competition between homecoming teams), Color your Carolina (a banner competition), Breakfast with a Side of Trivia, a Talent Show, Cocky’s Canned Creations (each team built a display with food cans they had previously donated), the Stroll Off, and a parade of another display.

• 11/2/18 – Backwoods function

• 11/5/18 – Kappa Kappaccino

• 11/8/18 – Barre3 sisterhood event

• 11/29/18 – senior sisterhood event: Mad Platter

• 11/30/18 – semi formal

• 12/7/18 – holiday mixer with Sigma Phi Epsilon

Academics

In the Spring of 2018, our chapter’s grade point average was a 3.54 and we were ranked 5th out of the Panhellenic community. Gifts are awarded to each member to achieves a 4.0 for the semester. In the Spring of 2018, there were 67 4.0s. Each week at chapter, members are awarded “Geek of the Week” for outstanding test scores, and each receives a gift card. This Fall, the number of members who could receive “Geek of the Week” per week was raised from one to five. This Fall, we added “Study Sundays” every Sunday from 12-4, where study sessions are held at the house with snacks. Members willing to tutor fill out a form with their specialties so that members in need of tutoring can be matched with a helpful sister. We have organized an EK google drive including teacher and class recommendations as well as other academic resources. We also have an EK Chegg account to help members learn class material. This Fall we created a PowerPoint listing every member’s major so sisters know who to seek out for help and who to take classes with. In the Spring, we host “Sweet Tea with KKG” and in the Fall, we host “Kappa Kappaccino” where members are encouraged to invite professors to the house for tea/coffee and snacks.

Honors and Awards

The Daily Gamecock, the school newspaper, voted Kappa as the “Best Sorority on Campus." At formal each year, four awards are given to Kappa members. Three new member awards are given – the “Owl Award” was given to Rachyl Jones for being “wise beyond her years,” the “Key Award” was given to Katie Denson for being “sisterly,” and the “Fleur-de-lis Award” was given to Erynne Rasheed for being “true blue.” The “Woman of the Year Award” was given to Beth Poche for her outstanding role as president.

Programs

At Kappa Convention, Epsilon Kappa was awarded honorable mention in Panhellenic involvement. Leadership academy was attended by Lauren Haisfield. Convention was attended by Lulu Hawken, Katherine Meuse, and Ali Geary. One new member attended the New Member Experience Conference with USC’s Fraternity and Sorority Leadership

Traditions

Each chapter, one member who we call Lady Minerva stands up and reads a heartfelt letter to a sister that has played an important role in her life. The sister who is the subject of the letter then becomes the new Lady Minerva and reads a letter to a different sister at the next chapter. Each week, members can nominate each other for “Supportive Sister” and they are announced at chapter. At each chapter, “Geeks of the Week” are awarded gift cards for their academic achievements. Each month, the Recording Secretary sends a newsletter to active members, parents, and alumni with chapter updates and upcoming events. During each inspiration period, the chapter engages in a game of "I-ssasins,” where members split up into teams and play a game of campus-wide manhunt. A new-member sleepover is held the night before initiation and seniors come to bond with the new pledge class. At the end of the schoolyear, seniors are awarded with superlative sashes to highlight their best qualities. At the end of the schoolyear, senior wills are read highlighting funny stories and the members’ favorite memories in Kappa.

Campus

Unfortunately, USC was impacted by two more hurricanes this year. Hurricane Florence was a serious threat to South Carolina and the campus was closed from the afternoon of September 11th through the 14th. Luckily, it did not hit Columbia as hard as expected. Later in the year, Hurricane Michael closed the campus on October 11th, but the city recovered quickly. The Panhellenic community discussed the possibility of adding a 14th sorority to campus, and while Kappa voted for the change, it did not pass the 2/3 vote from other sororities. Going on inside the chapter, two bylaws were changed this year. One bylaw created a GPA minimum for mandatory Period of Concern. That minimum was set at a 2.7. The other bylaw addressed presidency, making it so that any Sophomore or Junior in good standing could be president, taking out the clause of previous chapter council experience.

Philanthropy

The Kappa Kappa Gamma foundation is important to us because part of being in a sorority is understanding how expansive the organization is and how Kappa is still there after graduation. We are proud to give back to the Kappa community especially after everything Kappa has given us. All of the money made from percent nights goes to this organization.

We also support Kappa’s national philanthropy, RIF. We are lucky enough to have a direct impact on our surrounding community on top of raising money. Through Literacy is Key and Cocky’s Reading Express, we visit kids at local elementary schools, give them books (for some of them, this is the first book they can call their own), and do crafts with them. The money from our Spring and Fall philanthropy events goes directly to RIF. It is so important that children are not only given the resources to learn but are encouraged to learn as well. We love encouraging the education of children in our local community.

Lastly, we are honored to be chosen to participate in Girls’ Academy. We fundraised for this event by spreading the word on our campus’ busiest street and by sending letters to our family and friends. We have now raised all of the money and are so excited for our event coming up in the Spring. Girls’ Academy is important to us because we have all been at that age where it is so easy to lose confidence in yourself. As strong college women, it is important to be there for girls who are going through the socially challenging times of middle school.

• 1/29/18 - Chipotle percent night - $136.70 was raised

• 2/5/18 to 2/28/18 – book drive battle with Pi Beta Phi

• 2/9/18 – Literacy is Key event

• 3/26/18 – Southern Belly % percent night - $17.96 was raised

• 3/20/18 – Literacy is Key event

• Barefoot percent night - $16.54 was raised

• 3/24/18 – Spring philanthropy event: Kappa Kar Wash - At Kappa Kar Wash, members washed cars in the community for donations to RIF, $1,360 was raised

• 10/2/18 – Fall philanthropy event: Singo - At Singo, the community bought tickets to engage in a game of bingo with music, $2,208.56 was raised

• 10/16/18 – Entourage percent day

• 10/26/18 – Freaky Friday Halloween Carnival at Satchel Ford Elementary School

• 10/29/18 – Chipotle percent night, $262.47 was raised

Community events

Kappa members are very engaged with the Panhellenic and USC community. These are the events which members participated in.

• 2/13/18 – Delta Zeta’s Sweet Caroline bone marrow drive

• 2/21/18 – Alpha Chi Omega’s Alpha Male pageant

• 3/3/18 – Dance Marathon - The Kappa team had 94 members and raised $19,813 to the total amount of $1,025,171

• 3/20/18 – Kappa Delta’s roller-skating event

• 3/22/18 – Kappa Delta’s philanthropy concert

• 3/25/18 – Zeta Tau Alpha’s Think Pink 5k

• 4/13/18 – Relay for Life, The Kappa team had 25 members and we raised $5,000

• 4/21/18 – Gamma Phi’s Moonball

• 4/21/18 – Delta Zeta’s Bark-BQ

• 4/22/18 – Alpha Delta Pi’s Kicking it for the Kids event

• 4/24/18 – Pi Chi roll call, 13 Kappas served as Pi Chis, helping potential new members find their home in a sorority.

• 4/29/18 – Phi Mu’s Hailey Bordeaux Memorial Brunch

• 9/19/18 – Circle of Sisterhood’s t-shirt drive

• 9/24/18 to 9/28/18 – hazing prevention week, This week, Kappa was paired with Theta Chi and partook in a social media challenge to raise awareness for hazing. There was also a banner competition between the sororities and we placed 3rd.

• 9/27/18 – Phi Mu’s Bonnamu

• 10/3/18 – Alpha Chi Omega’s paint war

• 10/4/18 – Pi Beta Phi’s Burgers and Phries

• 10/28/18 – Delta Zeta’s Turtle Trot

• 10/30/18 – Trick or Treat with the Greeks, At this event, families trick-or-treated in Greek Village and Kappa members gave out candy on the front porch.

• 11/3/18 – Delta Delta Delta’s Gameday event

• 11/5/18 – Zeta Tau Alpha’s Big Man on Campus

• 11/10/18 – Alpha Gamma Delta’s Give Thanks with Alpha Gam event

• 11/10/18 – Alpha Xi Delta’s day of service

• 11/15/18 – Chi Omega’s Cookoff

• 11/16/18 – Gamma Phi Beta’s G-Live at B-Live

The chapter’s overall nature is pleasant and genuine. Our members frequently support one another and work together to achieve goals as a group.

The chapter celebrated Founders Day together with the celebration of the Initiation of New Member class ‘19. Active members and alumnae gathered for a two-hour brunch filled with socialization and appreciation of KKG. We celebrated with the Founders Day Ceremony and raised awareness of the upcoming sesquicentennial celebration. We have begun to celebrate Kappa’s 150 anniversary by announcing weekly a different member of Kappa over the years who has made an impact in her life. Our plans for the 2020 celebration will be thought of more in depth by the new Chapter Council.

Our Instagram account is @southcarolinakkg

• Chapter Council meetings at 5pm on Sundays • Chapter meetings at 7pm on Sundays • Standards meetings at 7pm on Mondays • House Board meetings once a month

• 1/14/19 — first day of class • 1/27/19 — membership chairman assistants and new member chairman assistants announced. Departments announced. • 2/17/19 — new member recruitment workshop • 2/18/19 — Epsilon Kappa’s Founders Day • 3/10/19 - 3/17/19 — Spring Break • 3/24/29 — new member recruitment workshop • 4/14/19 — chapter wide recruitment workshop • 4/28/19 — makeup recruitment workshop • 4/28/19 — nom com committee chairman selected • 4/29/19 — last day of classes • 4/30/19 — reading day • 5/1/19 - 5/8/19 — final exams • 5/10/19 — status applications due • 5/10/19 and 5/11/19 — Spring Commencement • 8/5/19 — Kappa House opens for move in • 8/8/19 - 8/14/19 — recruitment workshops • 8/15/19 and 8/16/19 — round 1 of formal recruitment • 8/17/19 and 8/18/19 — round 2 of formal recruitment • 8/19/19 and 8/20/19 — round 3 of formal recruitment • 8/21/19 — new student convocation • 8/22/19 — first day of class • 8/24/19 — preference round of formal recruitment • 8/25/19 — bid day • 8/27/19 — new member pinning ceremony • 8/28/19 — makeup new member pinning ceremony • 9/3/19 - 10/1/19 — new member meetings held every Tuesday at 7pm • 9/4/19 - 9/25/19 — makeup new member meetings held every Wednesday at 7pm • 9/8/19 — Initiation review • 9/9/19 — Initiation review • 9/11/19 — Initiation review • 9/12/19 — Initiation review • 9/15/19 — departments announced, Initiation review • 9/16/19 — Initiation review • 9/17/19 — Initiation review • 9/18/19 — Initiation review • 9/22/19 — Initiation review • 9/23/19 — Initiation review • 9/24/19 — Initiation review • 9/25/19 — Initiation review • 9/27/19 - 9/29/19 — Parents weekend • 10/2/19 — big/little reveal • 10/2/19 - 10/5/19 — Inspiration week • 10/4/19 — Initiation • 10/5/19 — Initiation • 10/6/19 — Founders Day/Initiation brunch • 10/10/19 - 10/11/19 — fall break • 10/14/19 — new member ritual review, nom com is elected • 10/27/19 — personal preference form due • 10/29/19 — individual slate form due • 11/10/19 — slate presented • 11/11/19 - 11/15/19 — big appreciation week • 11/17/19 — chapter elections, leadership day for new officers • 11/24/19 — installation of new officers • 11/27/19 - 12/1/19 — thanksgiving break • 12/3/19 — status applications due • 12/6/19 — last day of classes • 12/7/19 — reading day • 12/8/19 - 12/16/19 — final exams

Academics

• In the Spring of 2019, our chapter’s grade point average was a 3.56 and we were ranked 3rd out of the Panhellenic community. There were 67 4.0s. • Gifts were awarded to each member to achieve a 4.0 for the semester. • Every week a member of the Chapter who has excelled in her exams is eligible for “Geek of the Week” and receives a gift card. • Members of the chapter who did well in certain areas had the opportunity to tutor other members who may need extra help. • We also have a Chegg account to help members access outside material.

Honors and Awards • Our chapter won Greek Week this past spring. • At formal every year, 4 awards are given out to members. There are 3 new member awards — the “owl”, the “key”, and the “fleur de lis awards”. There is also the “woman of the year award,” which goes to a member who has been outstanding consistently.

Programs • Leadership Academy was attended by Emily Saatoff • Convention was attended by Rachyl Jones, Erin Flanagan, Kerry Callaghan, Kiley Shafer, and Marisa Laycock.

Traditions • Every chapter, one member receives the “Lady Minerva” book where she stands up before the chapter and reads a letter to another member who has impacted her life in a positive way. That book is then passed on to that member. • Each week, a “Supportive Sister” is nominated and selected. • Traditionally, a new member sleepover before initiation is held where new members and seniors get the chance to bond. This year, the event was held after FS and the new members went home. • Seniors are awarded superlatives on sashes to wear at their last formal in the spring. • At the end of the year, senior wills are read where seniors get the chance to look back on their time in Kappa and share funny stories.

Special Events • 1/27/19 — Girls Academy Programming • 2/13/19 — Sisterhood trampoline event • 2/28/19 — Mardi Gras function • 3/23/19 — Sisterhood event to Charleston • 3/27/19 — Sweet Tea with KKG • 3/29/19 - 3/31/19 — Mom’s Weekend o This included events at Studio Cellar for painting and a Shopping event Saturday • 4/1/19 - 4/5/19 — Greek Week o Kappa was paired with Phi Kappa Tau and Theta Delta Chi o Main events were a social media competition to help with sexual assault awareness, a blood drive, a Night at Strom, a PSA creation competition, MGC Cultural Food Fest, and Greek Sing. • 4/5/19 — Master's function • 4/7/19 — Senior Tea • 4/19/19 — Formal • 4/26/19 — Tour of Cola sisterhood event • 5/1/19 — Exam goody bags at house • 5/2/19 — Insomnia and Ice cream bar at house • 5/3/19 — Tropical smoothie tab and HIIT class with Molly Jones • 5/4/19 — Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee at house • 5/6/19 — Cool beans tab • 9/10/19 — Barefoot T-shirt design sisterhood event • 9/20/19 — Kappa Kowboy’s function • 9/27/19 — Parents Cocktail o During parents weekend, families were invited to get together to enjoy a night of conversation • 10/3/19 — movie night with insomnia sisterhood event • 10/16/19 — State fair sisterhood event • 10/25/19 — Backwoods function • 10/26/10 - 11/1/19 — Homecoming week o Kappa was partnered with Beta Theta Pi o Events that week included a 5k run, comic book carnival, dodgeball tournament, movie night, float displays, Carolina’s got talent, trivia competition, and spurs and struts dance competition. • 11/13/19 — Kappa Kappucino • 12/8/19 — Bubble soccer sisterhood event

Philanthropy

• 2/9/19 — Girls Academy • 2/22/19 — Literacy is Key event • 3/4/19 — Southern Belly Percent night • 4/2/19 — Moe’s Percent night • 4/8/19 - 4/11/19 — Rally For RIF week o Included selling baked goods, a percent night, sign painting at the house, and “Kake a Kappa” as ways to raise money for RIF. • 4/12/19 — 2 Literacy is Key events held • 4/13/19 — Spring Philanthropy Event: Kappa Karwash • 4/15/19 — Groucho’s Percent night • 4/16/19 — Vestique Percent night • 4/22/19 — Panera Percent night • 4/25/19 — Groucho’s Percent night • 10/18/19 — Fall Philanthropy Event: Kappa Disko • 10/28/19 — Burger Tavern 77 Percent night • 11/25/19 — MOD Pizza Percent night • 12/2/19 — Chipotle Percent night

Chapter Goals • Chapter Council Approachability o One of the goals set was to improve the approachability of Chapter Council so that members felt more comfortable asking any questions they had, as well as feeling like their voices were being heard. • Greater focus on Philanthropy o This year we wanted to emphasize the importance of philanthropy to our chapter. This was done by adding awareness to when Literacy is Key events were happening, adding a week filled with ways we can raise money for RIF leading up to our Spring Philanthropy event, and using social media to raise awareness of when events benefiting our philanthropy were happening. • Promoting Sisterhood o The chapter as a whole wanted to encourage a strong sisterhood amongst members. This was done by having monthly sisterhood events such as trips to Charleston, activities like bubble soccer and trampoline parks, and t-shirt design classes. All events were paid for through the chapter, so members could sign up to spend time with each other at events already set up.

Community Events

o Epsilon Kappa currently supports the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, and Girls Academy.

o As members of Kappa it is important to give to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation because it is a special part about being in this organization. If we can give back to former and current Kappas, we are able to be active participants in an aspect of Kappa that is unique to us, and we can be reminded that Kappa is more than just four years. o We also support KKG's national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. This spring we celebrated 15 years with RIF. We help partake in RIF’s goals by putting on Literacy is Key events monthly, where we go to local underserved elementary schools and spend time with kids, making sure each child goes home with a book. We also encourage members to get involved with UofSCs reading program, Cocky’s Reading Express, where they go to schools across the state to help kids with reading. o We also support Girls Academy. We had so much fun spending time and getting to know the middle school girls of Blythewood Middle School. Middle school is a hard time, and being able to spend time with them and learn how to overcome the difficulties girls at that age faced was incredible. We are even more honored to have been selected for a second year of Girls Academy, and we are currently fundraising for the event in the spring of 2020.

Our Spring 2019 total was $35,689, and at our first Kappa Disko event in Fall 2019, we raised $12,291.

Events that Kappa members took part in throughout the year in the Panhellenic and USC Community:

• 2/14/19 — CPA Galentines Movie Night • 2/17/19 — IFC Flag Football tournament • 2/23/19 — Pi Beta Phi: Dodge the Arrow Dodgeball tournament • 2/26/19 — Alpha Chi Omega: Alpha Male pageant • 3/2/19 — Dance Marathon • 3/18/19 - 3/22/19 — Kappa Delta’s: Shamrock Week o Included events such as hosting a concert, handing out donuts and buttons, and roller skating. • 3/26/19 — Alpha Gamma Delta: Strike out Hunger bowling night • 3/29/19 — Chi Omega: War of Wings • 3/29/19 — Gamma Phi Beta: Moonball tournament • 4/5/19 — Relay for Life • 4/11/19 — Tri Delta: 15K in 1 Day • 4/12/19 — Alpha Xi Delta: Light it up Blue 5K • 4/14/19 — Delta Zeta: Bark-B-Q • 4/23/19 — Pi Chi Roll Call • 4/27/19 — Alpha Delta Pi: Lion Challenge • 9/22/19 — Delta Zeta: Turtle Trot 5K • 9/23/19 - 9/27/19 — National Hazing Prevention Week • 9/23/19 - 9/27/19 — Kappa Delta’s Shamrock Week • 9/27/19 — Alpha Xi Delta: Blue and Gold Gala • 10/2/19 — Alpha Chi Omega: Paint Wars • 10/16/19 — Gamma Phi Beta: G-Live • 10/21/19 — Zeta Tau Alpha: Big Man on Campus • 10/23/19 — Phi Mu: Bonnamu • 10/29/19 — Trick or Treat with the Greeks • 11/6/19 — Chi Omega: Cook Off • 11/17/19 — CofS Spelling Bee

Harris Pastides, the 28th President of UofSC, retired at the end of his 11th year in spring of 2019. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the selection of the new president, Bob Caslen, as many in the campus community felt as though the Board of Trustees did not consider a diverse enough group of candidates. However, the vote went through and Bob Caslen is currently serving his first year as President of UofSC.

The Panhellenic community once again considered adding a 14th sorority on campus. While Kappa voted for the change, it did not pass the 2/3 vote from other sororities.

January 2020 Highlights

1/12 - FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life) Leadership retreat at U of SC. - 2020-2021 Chapter President Erin Flanagan attended.

1/26 - Greek Leadership Conference - All-day conference held in U of SC Russell House. - Members of each Fraternity/Sorority attended. - All EK Chapter Council Members attended, broke out into breakout sessions coinciding with their position (EX: Event Chairman attended the Event Workshop).

1/31 - 80s in Aspen Function.

February 2020 Highlights

2/8 - Girls Academy at Blythewood Middle School - Since 2019, the EK Chapter has been selected to host Girls Academy, a day-long training session for middle school girls teaching them empowerment and confidence skills. We were honored to be selected again to host this year. Girls Academy stands for Girls Inspiring Respect Leadership and Service (GIRLS). This acronym was a key part in our mission. - Throughout the day, girls traveled with their “teams”. There were 5 teams total, and each had 2 kappa members leading them. Different teams had different team-building activities planned. - Group sessions included topics about body positivity, bullying, and speaker sessions where female professionals came and spoke about their careers. At the end of the day, the girls performed skits with their teams and their parents were invited to attend their “graduation” from Girls Academy. - Over 60 members of EK attended the event and helped out with meals, activities, and time-keeping.

2/18 - EK Founders Day - Displayed some of EK’s photo memorabilia throughout the year in the house. - Chefs planned a special dinner for EK, including a cake.

2/28 - Bahamas & Pajamas Function

2/29 - Dance Marathon Main Event - Our chapter formed a KKG team for Main Event, a 14-hour fundraising day for Dance Marathon, an organization to provide funds to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. - U of SC Dance Marathon raised funds for the local CMNH hospital, Prisma Health Center. - In addition to our Kappa team, many of our members were on staff and held leadership positions on the “Ignite” and “Morale” teams.

March 2020 Highlights

3/4 - Sweet Tea - On March 4th, our VP of Academic Excellence, Erin O’Sullivan, hosted and planned our annual professor & students mixer. Here, members of PC ‘18 and PC ‘17 were required to invite a professor of their choice to join them at EK for tea and cake. This was a great bonding opportunity for our girls and allowed them to make further connections with their professors.

3/8 - 3/15 - Spring Break

3/13 - USC Announces Extended Spring Break

...Around the week of March 27th, USC announces that school will be virtual until Fall 2020…

Members quickly had to transition to adapting to online school, but they handled this with grace and positivity. Everything was moved online and our events were forced to be canceled.

Although this was tough on our members and for everyone at U of SC, Chapter meetings every Sunday at 7 pm were still held through the month of May and until the school year ended. Our Chapter Council did an amazing job continuing to meet with and encourage members throughout these tough times.

April 2020 Highlights

4/26 - Final chapter meeting of the semester.

4/29- 5/6 - Final Exam Week - During exams, it was important to EK to make sure that our members felt supported. Our VPAE scheduled a Netflix Party and a virtual exercise class during exam week as “Exam Breakers.”

May 2020 Highlights

5/8 - Graduation - Senior graduation was virtual this year, but our Education chairman shipped “Senior Gifts” to our graduating members (stainless steel cups with a golden key etched onto it). Education Chairman, Maura Delaney, included a hand-written note and their “Senior Superlative” banner in their gift box.

5/9 - Virtual Initiation - 2 members of PC’19 were not able to be initiated with everyone else in the Fall, so we rescheduled to have them initiated with HQ. In the week leading up to Initiation, both members received candy and gifts as a way of getting them excited for Initiation.

In Memoriam

7/24/2020: On July 24th, 2020, our beautiful sister, Ally Carpel (PC’17), passed away tragically and suddenly. This was a very tough time for our members, as Ally was a remarkable person who lit up every room. To celebrate her life, EK hosted a ceremony later in the week to honor her and invite members to share stories about her. Kappa Headquarters, with the assistance of EK, was also able to support her family financially. In the house, we have an Ally memorial set-up where members can write notes and offer up their thoughts/memories to her. In the first week back at school, we held a memorial dinner with Ally’s favorite meal at the house. Mental health is very important to EK and we continue to support our members and her family with this great loss.

August 2020 Highlights

NOTE: When it was time for everyone to return to school, we had strict guidelines for the house. Everyone was required to wear a mask at all times (even house girls) when leaving their room or entering the house grounds. The meal line was marked with social distance reminders and 3 hand sanitizing stations were at each of the doors. Members were not permitted to eat in the common room, even though we had plastic dividers separating tables. Our chapter and House Board did a remarkable job adhering to CDC guidelines throughout the semester.

8/6 - 8/9: Work Week - Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, events over 50 people could not be held. As recruitment went on, there was hope of EK being able to hold Preference round in person, but that was later canceled. However, members of EK and especially PC ‘19 worked vigorously over Zoom with our recruitment chair, Sydney Williams, to make sure everything went right. We even had our “themed” days although it was over Zoom. During work week, we had 2 “Zoom Chairs” who would handle breakout rooms. After just a few days of practice, our girls were ready to go.

8/10 - 8/12: Round 1 - This round looked a bit different than in years past (due to COVID). Because of the volume of PNMs, Greek Life was forced to watch and rate “Intro” videos that PNMs recorded. - Here, we had the opportunity to view PNMs “About Me” videos and see if they would be a good addition to Kappa.

8/13 - 8/14: Round 2 - During “Philanthropy” Round, members had the opportunity to share their experiences with RIF, Girls Academy, and the KKG Foundation. - During this round, members were assigned morning and/or afternoon “shifts” to break up some of the day. - We also included a 4-minute philanthropy video documenting EKs love and involvement with all 3 of our philanthropies.

8/16 - 8/18: Round 3 - During “Sisterhood” Round, members were able to form deeper connections with PNMs with extended conversation time. - We also had a 4-minute video documenting what our sisterhood is like.

8/21 - 8/22: Preference Round - Preference round was still very special this year even though it looked differently than normal. Although this was still over Zoom, members of EK did a wonderful job recruiting and making PNMs feel welcome.

8/23: Bid Day 2020 - Throughout the day, NMs would “run” to the house in shifts, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Masks were required by everyone, and the spacing out of New Members running home really helped. After NMs received their “buddies,” they were not allowed to do activities together that did not adhere to CDC guidelines (go in a car together, eat less than 6 ft apart). Although this was a disappointment for us, it was important to keep our members safe. Throughout Bid Day, EK did a wonderful job ensuring the safety of members and new members. Our president, Erin Flanagan, hosted an intro Zoom as a celebration for our NMs on the night of Bid Day where they got a chance to meet us, get a house tour, and see what Kappa is like.

8/31: NM Pinning Ceremony

September 2020 Highlights

9/23: Cowboy Hat Decorating Sisterhood Event - Members signed up to come to the house and retrieve their cowboy hat decorating “kits” that included a hat, glitter, and other decorations. This was a huge hit for our chapter and members loved it. - NOTE: Every Saturday, Columbia has a farmers market called “Soda City.” Each week, interested members were added into a “Soda City Group Chat” where they could attend as a group and spend time with one another.

9/30 - 10/3: Inspiration Period - Here, members took time to reflect on their sisterhood. Coffee + Donuts were provided the day before initiation and a game of I-Assassins was played throughout the week. This allowed for our sisters to spend time together (safely) and get to know each other and bond before Initiation.

9/30: Big/Little Reveal - Our Zoom Chairman set up our Big/Little reveal on Zoom. All of the girls met in the “main room” and then broke out into separate breakout rooms with their families. Although different than how we normally do it, this was the safest and best option for our chapter.

October 2020 Highlights

10/3: Initiation - We separated this year’s virtual initiation into 2 times (one at 9AM and one at 11AM). All in all, the ceremony lasted about 40 minutes and we had the opportunity to invite a few alumni to attend. Although small and not in-person, it turned out to be very intimate and special for our NMs.

10/4: Founders Day/Sesquicentennial Celebration - To honor Kappa’s 150 years ceremony, we decorated the house and had photos throughout the years displayed. - We also held a special brunch at the house, including a customized cake for members to enjoy. - A social media post honoring our sisterhood and its history was posted, and we also invited our members to post recognition for 150 years of sisterhood. - In addition to our own celebration, on the night of October 13th, members were invited to attend the Kappa HQ Virtual 150 Years Celebration.

10/19 - 10/23 Rally For RIF Week - Although our semester fundraiser looked a little bit different this semester, we were able to raise over $3,000 for RIF ($3,200 not including % nights/days). Most of our members created donation pages and shared them with friends and family. - Throughout the week to raise money, we had a percent day at Carolina Cafe and Chipotle, a Virtual Disney Trivia Night, a HIIT workout class, and a percent day for three different local Columbia boutiques. - NOTE: Throughout the year, we had over 15 other tabs and % nights at restaurants and cafes to raise money for RIF.

10/28: Parents Weekend Zoom - Parents of members were invited to a “Parents Weekend Zoom” instead of our annual Parent’s Weekend activities (in-person). Here, philanthropy and sisterhood presentations were shared and our House Chairman and President gave a house tour!

November 2020 Highlights

11/9: Barefoot T-Shirt Cutting + Nail Tab Sisterhood Event - Members were invited to learn how to cut and create Gameday T-shirts at the house! - On this same day, members were also invited to sign up for a free manicure at Devine Nails and Spa in Columbia.

11/15: Leadership Day & New Chapter Council is Inducted - Old Chapter Council officers met with the new CC members and discussed operations and tasks that coincide with particular roles. This was so our new CC felt prepared going into the year. - 2020-2021’s new Chapter Council was inducted via Zoom chapter

11/17: Kitchen Staff Appreciation Day & Bracelet Making Sisterhood Event - To honor our kitchen staff, we had a staff appreciation for them where sisters were invited to make cards and decorate the house in their honor. This was a huge success and was a great way to show our gratitude to our staff for being so awesome throughout the year. - On this same day, we had a bracelet making event at the house where sisters could make customized bracelets (led by one of our members).

11/20: StudioFire Sisterhood Event - Our Chapter rented out StudioFire, a local Columbia workout center, and booked a class for our members to attend (outside and socially distanced).

December 2020 Highlights

12/7-12/14: Finals Week - To encourage our members, our new VPAE offered some “Exam Breakers" throughout the week. These included: entry to win a Starbucks gift card if you sent a picture of you and a sister studying, a Dunkin Donuts Tab, a Yoga Class taught by one of our members, and a HIIT class led by another one of our members. Exam Breakers are always a fun way to reward our sisters with all their hard work and encourage them to keep going!

12/14 - End of Fall Semester 2020

Scholarship Awards

This year, our EK Scholarship award was given to Anna Dunbar, PC’18, for her academic ability and application. This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has high academic and social integrity, grades, and extracurriculars.

In addition to the EK scholarship, we give about 3 merit-based or need-based scholarships per year.

Convention Awards

Risk Management Award Honorable Mention: Epsilon Kappa, South Carolina

Philanthropy Award ~ Signature Event Honorable Mention: Epsilon Kappa, South Carolina

Recruitment Award Recipient: Epsilon Kappa, South Carolina

Most Outstanding Chapter Award Honorable Mention: Epsilon Kappa, South Carolina

Diversity Initiatives/Chapter Goals

- The goals this year for our chapter were as follows: - Increase strong sense of sisterhood for seniors - Focus on making Chapter Council more approachable - Focus on increasing involvement with other chapters (not just Greek Village) - Create a Mental Health & Wellness Department (we did this and it has been a huge success!)

Diversity and Equity

This year, we decided to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee - Goals for this committee were to: - Increase involvement with other historically African-American sororities and fraternities - Invite guest speakers focused on issues of racism and diversity/inclusion initiatives to speak to our chapter

Surrounding the death of George Floyd and BLM movements across the country, it was important for EK to turn within the chapter and think about our role in promoting diversity and inclusion. In addition to providing resources for our chapter to utilize to address the injustices, EK took to social media to show our chapter’s support for the movement.