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Kappa Delta Sigma | |
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ΚΔΣ | |
Founded | February 22, 1969 St. Lawrence University, (Canton, NY, USA) |
Type | Social |
Scope | Local |
Motto | "Be my friend, teach me to me yours" |
Colors | Green Yellow |
Flower | Yellow Rose |
Publication | The Porchswing |
Philanthropy | Susan G. Komen for the Cure |
Kappa Delta Sigma (ΚΔΣ) is a collegiate sorority founded at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. The sorority was founded in 1969 when sisters of the Sigma Eta chapter of Kappa Delta desired to offer a bid to a girl of minority status who did not meet the approval of the Kappa Delta national membership chair for not being "compatible with Kappa Delta membership policies". Since they refused to follow national guidelines, the 48 founding sisters offered 25 bids to "53 Park Street", including the girl who did not meet national's standards but received a unanimous vote within the house. Soon afterwards, the girls declared themselves as Kappa Delta Sigma, a local sorority.
Kappa Delta Sigma remains an active sorority on the St. Lawrence University campus and is recognized by the National Panhellenic Conference. It is also referred to as “KDS”.
History
[edit]Kappa Delta Sigma was founded on February 22, 1969. On February 18th, 1969, the night following Kappa Delta's final rush party, Kappa Delta was placed on national probation for actions made through proper national Kappa Delta sorority channels to initiate change in their membership selection practices. The following day, Kappa Delta Sigma Eta members and the university's Panhellenic Council met to release the following statement:
- On February 17, 1969, during the period of formal rush, Sigma Eta Chapter of Kappa Delta was placed on national probation by the National Council of Kappa Delta. Because of the failure to comply with certain national policies and regulations with which we cannot agree, we have been denied the right to pledge girls to national Kappa Delta. However, we intent to perpetuate the sisterhood and friendship of this chapter in a local sorority. Although we can no longer extend a bid in the name of national Kappa Delta, we are still fully prepared and committed to take a pledge class into our local sorority on Saturday, February 22, 1969.
On March 17, 1969 the Kappa Delta national secretary Julia Jane Nehls came to St. Lawrence to declare the Sigma Eta chapter officially dormant. On April 21, 1969, by request of the acting president of St. Lawrence University, Dr. Baker, a letter from national Kappa Delta president Mrs. J.H. Merrill reached the university administration confirming the Sigma Eta chapter's dormancy. On January 18th, 1971 Kappa Delta Sigma Sorority was incorporated as a not-for-profit with the State of New York.
Membership
[edit]In order to join Kappa Delta Sigma, a woman must
- Be a matriculating female student at St. Lawrence University
- Meet the current rush requirements established by the Panhellenic Council, including GPA requirements
Leadership
[edit]Chapter contains a governing body of members that includes a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Rush Chairwoman, Philanthropy Chairwoman, Social Chairwoman, House Manager. Scholarship Chairwoman, Alumni Chairwoman, Abroad Chairwoman, Secretary, and Public Relations Chairwoman. Executive board positions also include delegates to St. Lawrence's Panhellenic and Greek Councils.
The National Panhellenic Conference
[edit]Kappa Delta Sigma is recognized by the National Panhellenic Conference and agrees to abide by all Panhellenic Council rules. They have delegation at university Panhellenic Council and hold the presidency on a rotation schedule with the other three sororities at St. Lawrence.
Symbols
[edit]The teacup is regarded as a symbol of Kappa Delta Sigma. When Kappa Delta Sigma formed in 1969, Kappa Delta needed to reclaim all Kappa Delta equipment, including the house at 53 Park Street. Kappa Delta removed everything from the house, including the tea set. When St. Lawrence University purchased the former Kappa Delta house, allowing for Kappa Delta Sigma members to reside there, a concerned Kappa Delta Sigma mother encouraged families to help her send the house a new tea set. The teacup became a symbol of the house and a reminder of their unique founding. The sisters began the tradition of leaving a teacup in the house upon graduation to add to the tea set bought for them upon moving into 53 Park Street.
Philanthropy
[edit]Kappa Delta Sigma's philanthropy is Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Annual events include a 24 hour bike-a-thon and a springtime 5K. The sorority also supports local philanthropies whenever possible either on their own or through the Panhellenic Council. As a local sorority they have especially strong ties to the local community.