Weekly Greek: High Flying Ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta

Sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta make their signature symbol, a kite, during 2010 formal recruitment.

Why walk when you can fly? Represented by the colors black and gold and the symbols of a kite and twin stars,the Epsilon Epsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta focuses on inspiring, facilitating and supporting it’s members ambitions.

1870 is an important year for all Theta’s. At Indiana Asbury College, now known as DePauw University, Kappa Alpha Theta was established as the first Greek-letter fraternity for women.  Founder, Bettie Lock, intended for Theta to “exist to nurture each member throughout her college and alumnae experience, and to offer a lifelong opportunity for social, intellectual and moral growth as she meets the higher and broader demands of mature life.” The Epsilon Epsilon chapter continuously demonstrates Bettie Lock’s intentions.

Spiritually, Theta strives to uphold their moral code:1 Corinthians 13 (regarding the ideals of faith, hope and love) daily with their actions. The ladies honor the code by opening  every ritual or formal chapter meeting with the reading. The girls also have a weekly bible study, and participate in many volunteer opportunities like Kings Club and Ballerina Dreams.

Theta’s are actively involved in their community, especially in the lives of children. Theta’s philanthropy is Court Appointed Social Advocates, generally known as CASA. This program helps children in the foster-care system find the sense of security they need to grow and develop. Children represented by CASA are more likely to find permanent homes. To support the cause, Theta annually hosts Theta Rocks the Casa. The ladies hire caterers and a band and raise money from t-shirt sales and donations. However, this year on Oct. 6th, between 5 and 7, Theta is mixing it up by hosting a carnival at Minglewood Bowl instead of the usual Theta Rocks the Casa. There will be multiple inflatables and bounce houses, food, music, games and more- proceeds will go towards CASA. Theta is actively involved in many other social, philanthropic, and sisterhood events as well. In fact, the organization has another exciting day planned on Sept 25: the chapter will host its annual a Take-a-Date at Six Flags!

But it isn’t all play and no work with the lovely Theta ladies. Last year the 2010 pledge class had the second highest GPA!  One of the many way’s the ladies continue to support academics and sisterly bonding is by hosting study halls throughout the day. The organization also makes goal sheets and has study support for difficult classes.

Theta had been, and continues to be a productive organization. Many influential women have reaped the benefits of Theta’s mission. Notable sister’s sinclude designer Tory Burch, former first lady Laura Bush and singers Sheryl Crow and Amy Grant.

– Amy (Chi Omega) and Rachel (Kappa Alpha Theta)