Kappa Alpha Theta
Welcome to the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Gamma Epsilon Chapter at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta exists to nurture each member throughout her college and alumnae experience and to offer a life long opportunity for social, intellectual and moral growth as she meets the higher and broader demads of mature life.
In 1837, Indiana Asbury College (now DePauw University) was established by the Methodist Church in Greencastle, Indiana. Typical of most colleges at the time, the Asbury student body was all-male.
Thirty years later following the United States Civil War the colleges board of trustees opened Asburys doors to women. But the coeds admitted in 1867 were not readily welcomed by all students. Many feared acceptance of females would diminish the colleges reputation. Initially, the women were taunted by male students and met disapproval from friends and townspeople.
The women persevered. They proved to hold their own academically, and gradually gained greater respect. But the first coeds were excluded from membership in the clubs or societies that existed at the college in the 1860s. Theirs was a lonely existence.
Bettie Lockethe daughter of a professorwas among the first women to enroll at Indiana Asbury in 1867. During her sophomore year, a member of one of the Greek-letter fraternities asked Bettie to wear their badge. When she learned, however, she would not become a membersimply a welcomed supporter of the groupshe declined the opportunity.
Desiring full membership in an organization offering friendship and support, Bettie hoped a Greek-letter fraternity for women might form a chapter at Asbury. However, she couldnt identify such an organization existing on any other campus. With her fathers encouragement, Bettie decided to create one. From the beginning, it was her desire the organization would continue to grow, supporting coeds on multiple campuses into the future. She asked fellow student Alice Allen to work with her to make the dream come true.
Their tasks included designing a badge, developing a constitution and bylaws, and identifying potential memberswomen of outstanding character determined to excel academically. The following autumn, Hannah Fitch and Bettie Tipton were invited to join them. Now, four in number, the women carefully completed their plans. On January 27, 1870, the first official meeting of Kappa Alpha Theta was held.
And so, the first Greek-letter fraternity for women was formally established. Obviously meeting a need, the Fraternity grew exponentiallyspreading East and West, from North to South, and becoming the first fraternity for women to establish a chapter in Canada. It was an idea whose time had come.
Our Fraternity Purpose:
The intellectual ambition of the Fraternity shall be the attainment of highest scholarship. The social aim of the Fraternity shall be to exercise the widest influence for good. The moral aim of the Fraternity shall be the standard of love.
Our Mission Statement:
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta exists 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.
Our four founders
Theta Facts
Symbol: Kite-shaped badge
Colors: Black and gold
Flower: Black and gold pansy
Executive 2010
Chapter Officers
All Members
President
Name: Anthea Girdwood
Click here to find out more about Anthea
Vice President Development
Name: Megan Jennings
Click here to find out more about Megan
Vice President Public Relations
Name: Kristine Gabriele
Click here to find out more about Kristine
Vice President Education
Name: Lawvin Hadisi
Click here to find out more about Lawvin
Vice President Administration
Name: Chantal Purdy
Click here to find out more about Chantal
Vice President Finance
Name: Jessica Beckett
Click here to find out more about Jessica
Vice President Membership
Name: Mandy Comeau
Click here to find out more about Mandy
Vice President Panhellenic
Name: Kira Gullane
Click here to find out more about Kira
Recording Secretary: Lauren Annis
Historian: Marilyn Kehl
Parlimentarian: Amira Eapen
Risk Management: Jenica Witkowski
Social: Alison Chiasson
Scholarship Chair: Kendra Thomas
Ritualist: Amira Eapen
Alum Relations: Amy Shuh
Courtesy Chair: Samantha White
Editor/ Tech Chair: Lauren Iantomasi
Public Relations Chair: Natalia Bond
Service Chair: Valentina Bardorf
Sports Chair: Sophia Virani
Facility Manager: Lauren Annis
Finance Deputy: Andie Jackson
Recruitment Chair: Amy Shuh
Assistant Recruitment Chair: Emma Moult
Reference Chair: Stephanie Clark
Alternate Panhellenic Delegate: Aly Chornaby
Alison Chiasson
Aly Chornaby
Amira Eapen
Amy Shuh
Anna G
Andrea Jackson
Andria Decarolis
Anthea Girdwood
Brooke Johnston
Chantal Purdy
Emilee Williamson
Emma Moult
Jenessa Miglietta
Jenica Witkowski
Jessica Beckett
Julia Di Gravio
Julie Jeffrey
Kendra Thomas
Kim Krajicek
Kimberly Cartwright
Kira Gullane
Kristine Gabriele
Lauren Annis
Lauren Iantomasi
Lawvin Hadisi
Mandy Comeau
Marilyn Kehl
Megan Jennings
Melissa Hay
Natalia Bond
Nikki Edmonds
Richelle Nitelet
Samantha White
Sara Lord
Sommer Froats
Sophia Virani
Stacey Sims
Stephanie Clark
Valentina Bardorf
Venus Valbuena
Victoria Purdy
Our newest members,
Brittney Sault
Kristy Doyle
Scholarship
Theta is known internationally for its high scholarship standards, and our chapter is no exception. Our chapter's overall average is 82%, and many members of our chapter have received National, Provincial and Local scholarships, as well as major scholarships from UWO.
To help our sisters maintain levels of high scholastic achievement, our chapter has a number of initiatives in place. Kendra our Scholarship Chair, has recently initiated an optional weekly library day for all members (so if you see us at Weldon on Tuesdays, say hi!). Our mentorship program is instrumental in ensuring that all of our members reach their full academic potential during their time in Theta.
One of Theta's aims is to achieve the highest scholarship, and our chapter gives members the support that they need to meet this goal.
Kappa Alpha Theta Policy on Academic Achievement
Kappa Alpha Theta expects each member to achieve high scholarship and to develop to the fullest her intellectual, cultural, and social potential. Each chapter is required to set a definite scholarship average which members must maintain in order to retain the social privileges of active membership.
In addition, each chapter is expected to maintain an average above the All-Sorority Average (ASA) on its campus, and chapter bylaws shall establish specific grade requirements for officers.
Academic Theta UWO
Here are a few things that some of our members are involved in / have received:
- AEOSA Publications Committee
- Scholar's Electives
- Western Scholar
- Attended Science Carnival _ McGill
- Extended Leadership Award
- TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership - $60,000
- Admission Scholarships
- BUGS (Biology Undergraduate Society)
- Aviation Club
- Pre-Medical Society
- Pre-Law Society
- Sophing: MIT Soph, Elgin Soph, Science Soph, Kings Soph, Social Science Soph
Beyond our national focus within CASA and the Foundation, the members of Theta participate in numerous Philanthropy events within the London community.
Involvement in Community Events
Keeping Kids Warm
This year Theta helped run a Valentines Day candy gram fundraiser to help raise money for the London charity Keeping Kids Warm. Our girls set up a booth in a residence where we then sold candy grams and teddy bears to students for Valentines Day. Theta helped to collect over $100!
London Children's Museum
Our girls volunteered their time on March Break, the London Children Museum's busiest time of the year. During this week we helped to assist in crafts, activities, etc.
Other Community Events
Theta is involved in several other community events including:
> UWO Relay For Life - Theta relay team!
> Terry Fox Run
> Run for the Cure
> "Trick or Eat"
Gamma Epsilon's Annual Philanthropy Event
Our annual Philanthropy event, Air Bands. For this event, each fraternity gets in touch with their creative side and creates a unique dance. Their dances are then performed in front of an audience and of course, judges selected from each sorority. Last year's Air Bands was held in November 2009 and was a massive success, raising $1000 towards the London Merrymount Children's Centre.
Performing at Air Bands 2009
Theta's Involvement in:
- CASA (click to check out more info)
- Theta Foundation (click to check out more info)
The Theta UWO Relay for Life Team
Sisterhood
At Theta, we believe the bonds of sisterhood are something that can never be broken. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by a group of such charismatic, intelligent, and caring women. Each semester, in order to celebrate and increase our ties as sisters, our Social Chair and other members put on a series of fun and exciting events for us to participate in.
Sisterhood and Social is also responsible for Theta formals, and being on the committee is a great way to have a say in the location, music or even food choices of the most memorable night of the year. Finally, whether its planning study sessions, baking nights, or having lunch at the Wave UCC, our sisterhood events are an amazing way to bring the chapter together.
Take a look through our photo album by clicking the top right hand corner of the photos!
Fall Recruitment 2010
How to Join?
Recruitment will begin the first semester of the Fall 2010 term (September 24 - 27th). If you have any questions about joining Kappa Alpha Theta, please don't hesitate to email askatheta_gmail.com . We would love to answer any questions or hear comments you may have!
For more information about joining a sorority at the University of Western Ontario visit www.uwosororities.com.
See you in the fall!
Theta Love and All Mine
Take a look at fall recruitment 2009
No Hazing Policy
Role of Advisory
Thank you for visiting this site and for taking an interest in Greek life! Joining a Greek-letter organization is a wonderful way for your daughter to meet other women in pursuit of a college degree, gain leadership skills, serve the community, and establish lifelong friendships.
Kappa Alpha Theta was the first Greek-letter fraternity for women and was founded on the principles of attaining the highest scholarship and influencing the campus, community, and world for good. Kappa Alpha Theta seeks to complement your daughters academic experience by providing opportunities through which she can experience these true promises of membership. As a Theta, she will also experience the friendship, fun, and sisterhood that have kept our organization strong since 1870.
Katie Busby, PhD
International Fraternity President, 2008-2010
Kappa Alpha Theta seeks to promote a high standard of excellence in all aspects of Fraternity life and prides itself on acting as a leader within the Greek community. Risk management policies are in place to protect our Fraternity's rich history, but more importantly, the well being of our members. The goals of Kappa Alpha Theta membership include, but are not limited to, the preparation of a woman to accept the responsibilities of Fraternity membership and the encouragement of a woman's personal development to meet the demands of a mature life. In accordance with these goals, Kappa Alpha Theta does not tolerate any acts that may be construed as hazing.
Hazing can be defined as subjecting a person to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the health or safety of a member or which tends to humiliate, embarrass, or cause personal discomfort regardless of one's willingness to participate in such activity.
Hazing violates Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity laws, FIPG, and Fraternity insurance carrier policies and may violate local, state, province, university or college rules and regulations. Hazing is a severe risk management concern and is subject to legal consequences, including criminal liability in many jurisdictions. Risk management means more than keeping members safe at social events; it means maintaining safety throughout all aspects of chapter membership. Kappa Alpha Theta seeks to promote an environment that is physically and emotionally safe at all times.
Hazing, in any form, will not be tolerated. Hazing may result in chapter and member discipline, including termination of membership.
For more information on Kappa Alpha Theta's stance on hazing, visit www.hazingprevention.org.
Each college chapter of the Fraternity shall have an advisory board which is responsible for the supervision of the college chapter and its well-being. Smaller boards may combine some of these positions, and larger boards may add to these positions:
- Advisory Board Chairman
- Administration Advisor
- Development Advisor
- Education Advisor
- Facility Management Advisor
- Finance Advisor
- Membership Advisor
- Panhellenic Advisor
- Public Relations Advisor
The advisory board is organized to mirror the college chapter officer structure and to provide support to each collegiate office-holder. Chapter advisors are trained by Fraternity leaders, as it is Kappa Alpha Thetas priority to ensure that the advisory board is current in all Fraternity policies and procedures.
Congratulations to our recent alumnae of 2009
Ashley Dick
Ashley Ho
Caitlin Jennings
Jen Hasey
Kaya Mitreska
Kristin McCaw
Laura Pazzano
Lauren Moore
Lisa Munro
Margaux Carter
Rachel Stewart
Sasha Faraone
Tanyse Beckett
Wilcy Giang
Zahra Sakkejha
What will our new alumnae miss about Theta?
"Having something planned at least once a week with a couple dozen familiar faces I can count on having a great time with! Although I am now not going to have Theta events planned, I will still see familiar faces to grab coffee or lunch with and still plan and attend Theta gatherings, because once you're a Theta you're a Theta for life."
"The amazing girls -- they're why I joined and why I miss London so badly!"
"Walking around campus and almost always bumping into a familiar face I can smile and wave to or grab a coffee or lunch with."
"Making Theta symbols with our arms in every photo opp!"
Alumnae Newsletter
The new edition of our alumnae newsletter will be posted very shortly. This springs newsletter will be packed with both past and future events and plans of the Gamma Epsilon chapter. Get excited folks!
CASA
In 1989, Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity adopted National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as its national philanthropy. CASA volunteers are trained community volunteers who speak on behalf of abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers research the child's background details to help the court make a sound decision about the child's future.
Today, there are more than 68,000 advocates serving in more than 1,000 state and local program offices nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children. Since the inception of CASA advocacy, volunteers have helped more than 240,000 abused and neglected children children find safe, permanent homes in which they can thrive.
For more information, please visit www.CASAforChildren.org.
Theta Foundation
Founded in 1960, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation was the vision of Evelyn Widman Tunnicliffe, Eta/Michigan, the Foundation's first president appointed by Grand Council. Her vision was to put Fraternity "ideals into action" by helping individuals realize their fullest potential through rehabilitation, education, and involvement. Thanks to her commitment and the support of members who follow in her footsteps, the legacy of Evelyn Widman Tunnicliffe and her love for Kappa Alpha Theta carries on through the work of the Foundation.
The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational tax-exempt organization, independent from the Fraternity, whose mission is to link members with resources to help them reach their fullest potential and to make a difference in the world. Created by Thetas for Thetas, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is dedicated to raising money for scholarships, educational and leadership grants, and financial hardship grants for our Kappa Alpha Theta members.
Awarding more than $1 million annually, what began in 1960 as a means of raising funds to support the philanthropic and educational opportunities for members of the Fraternity continues today as a pillar of support for its individual members, chapters, and the Fraternity at large.
For more information, please visit www.kappaalphathetafoundation.org.
Meet...
Position: President
Hometown: Havelock
Program: Biomedical Sciences, Honors Spec. Pharmacology
Favourite Thing About Theta: What I truly love about Kappa Alpha Theta is the timelessness of the friendships we build - whether you last saw a sister three hours ago or three years ago, we can always pick up where we left off as if no time has gone by.
Return Back to Members Page
Position: Vice President Public Relations
Hometown: Kingsville
Program: Honors Bachelor of Management and Organization Studies, Double Major in Human Resources and Psych
Three Things You Would Never Know About Me: I am addicted to a strange number of television shows - Chuck, Big Bang Theory, Glee, Bachelorette... you name it! I have never ate sour cream or mayo. I also use to jump rope competitively for four years.
Position: Vice President Finance
Hometown: Bowmanville
Program: Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies, Minor in Psychology
Favourite Thing About Theta: All the great friendships you are able to make with people you probably never would have met in classes
Position: Vice President Development
Hometown: West Vancouver, BC
Program: Honours Spec. Sociology
Favourite Thing About Theta: My favourite has to be the sisters- they are some of my closest friends, and have made my university experience so much better. Plus, being from Vancouver I have been able to meet some UBC Thetas which is always exciting! Otherwise, the leadership opportunities within Theta. There are so many ways to get involved, and really helps you feel a part of Theta.
Position: Vice President Panhellenic
Hometown: Toronto
Program: Biomedical Sciences, Honours Spec. Physiology
Favourite Thing About Theta: Always having some great girls to study with at Weldon (saving you a prime table early in the morning) and grab food between classes
Position: Vice President Membership
Hometown: Ottawa
Program: Chemistry minor in Pharmacology
Three Things You Would Never Know About Me: I am a sucker for sweedish berries. I admire women who march to the beat of their own drum. I played rugby for a year, simply because everyone who tried out made the team.
Position: Vice President Administration
Program: Microbiology/Immunology
Three Things You Would Never Know About Me: I'm a huge musical theatre buff (although you probably knew that already) and my favourite musical is Spring Awakening. I can't cook for the life of me...if anyone could ruin KD it would be me. I am crazy obsessed with IKEA!
Position: Vice President Education
Hometown: London
Program: Philosophy
Three Things You Would Never Know About Me: I can speak two different languages, one is english and the other is kurdish which comes from Iran. I have an addiction to shopping I like to buy clothes and will never stop that includes my love for shoes. I also have three sisters, one is 16, one is 22, and the other is 24.
