Chapter History

You have to know where you’ve been to know where you are going. Kappa holds a special place in its heart for Fraternity history, but every chapter of our organization has unique beginnings of its own. Each plays a part in shaping us today. Read more about our chapters’ histories in Kappa's digital archives.

The Beginning of Our Chapter - As Kappa Gamma Phi

It is the year of 1986, and there is one fraternity on the University of Waterloo campus. This fraternity, Delta Omega Chi, became the Theta Psi chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity in 1987. Amidst this time - at which there were no Greek sororities within UW - Donna Lee Irwin placed an advertisement in the campus newspaper, Imprint, asking women to submit their interest in beginning a sorority. The ad was met with an abundance of excitement, and on November 2, 1986, the first meeting of Kappa Gamma Phi was held on campus. 12 ladies attended this meeting, 7 who continued on to become founding members of the KGP chapter. 

Becoming Kappa Kappa Gamma Ladies

In 1993, the Kappa Gamma Phi chapter decided to petition a variety of international sororities for membership and recognition. Informational packages were sent to various organizations, and both Kappa Kappa Gamma and Phi Delta responded with interest. After receiving presentations from the organizations, the ladies of KGP decided to pledge as Kappa Kappa Gamma, a sorority that shared both their passion for philanthropy, leadership, and sisterhood. Sandie Snyder became KKG's first official advisor, and guided the girls through the transitioning process. 

On January 8, 1994, the entire KGP chapter underwent the ritual to become official members of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, under the guidance of KKG executives. Fireside was held in Hagey Hall on campus, and Initiation on the Walper Terrace. 

Currently... 

Currently, our chapter has 63 active and special-active members, and over 300 alumni. We thrive as an internationally-recognized sorority and organization for women of varying experiences and interests, through bonds of sisterhood and opportunities for chapter growth. As a group, we encourage academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership development among all members. Look for our next recruitment period in September 2015 to join in our sisterhood!