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Kappa Delta Sorority Becomes the First National Sorority
at The University of the South
By: Kathy J. Ramirez, Chapter Development Consultant
And Marquette A. Guerin, Chapter Development Consultant

As four members founded Kappa Delta Sorority, similarly, four young women came together to begin the process of bringing a national sorority to The University of the South. On April 13, 2003, Kappa Delta became the first national sorority at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. The University of the South was founded in October of 1857 and has been a home for local sororities since 1977, just 26 years. The population of this private university is close to 1,200.

As Kappa Delta's 203th chartered chapter, Eta Epsilon did not start off with a traditional colonization weekend. We began in September functioning like the other local groups and participated in the required Inter Sorority Council events. Fall semester, with the help of our interest group, we participated in Around The World and trash pick up. During one of our two pre-recruitment events, we decorated picture frames, which we then donated to the Children's Advocacy Center in Chattanooga, TN. We also volunteered to help with the campus Homecoming Run and with the decorations for Lessons and Carols, and a few members became troop leaders for a local Girl Scout Troop.

Spring semester, the colony participated in formal recruitment with the help of local KD chapters at Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and Vanderbilt University. It was great to have the area chapters in Sewanee as it gave the Sewanee community and the colony an idea of the national support. We had a successful recruitment and on Bid Day went on a chapter retreat to Tullahoma, TN.

As the members went through the new member process, they were very excited as no other groups on campus had a program like ours. Also, during the new member process we had many sisterhood events such as "Friends and Fajita Night" and Sterling's Coffee Hour. We also co-sponsored a Mr. Sewanee Pageant with Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. As the Greek Advisor said, "This was one of the best Greek events anyone has ever put on in Sewanee." We enjoyed getting the campus and community involved as well as educating the campus on our organization. During our six-week new member experience, the chapter learned about not only about Kappa Delta and sisterhood but also about what it means to be part of a national organization.

On April 13, 2003, ten women were initiated into the Eta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta. National Vice President--Membership Margaret Holt Duncan conducted the initiation ceremony, assisted by National President Julie Landgren Johnson and Former National Vice President--Extension and Former National Secretary Gale M. Fuller.

The initiation reception was held at the home of Melissa Webb, who is an area alumna from Alpha Mu Chapter. At the reception Julie Johnson presented the Eta Epsilon Charter to the Chapter President, Jill Robinson; Gale Fuller offered the traditional White Rose Toast, and Lane Jennings gave the invocation.

Dean Eric Hartman, Dean of Students, welcomed Eta Epsilon to The University of the South and congratulated the young women on being the first national sorority at The University of the South. He also welcomed the newest chapter to the Greek community. Delta Pi presented the Loving Cup and Beta Kappa presented the Baby Cup.

The Eta Epsilon chapter council includes President Jill Robinson, Vice President--New Member Education Jessica Martin, and Vice President--Membership Shannon Lynberg. Other initiates are Kara Allen, Jean Faulkner, Frances Hartline, Kelli James, Kristin Luna, Callie Jennings, and Lane Jennings.