Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Missouri

5 | KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA O n Preference Day in the fall of 1992, Julie Ronchetto Swain '93 remembers sitting at a square card table and being served ice cream in tiny flower pots with Oreo "dirt" and a daisy sticking out from a green straw "stem." She marveled at the attention to detail, and while some of those aspects of recruitment have changed over the years with the focus shifting to it being more values-based, it was those thoughtful experiences that made Kappa stand out to her in the sea of sororities at Mizzou. "Fortunately, the women at Kappa were every bit as talented and beautiful inside once I was able to scratch below the surface after becoming a member," she shared. Once a member of Theta Chapter, Julie realized her talents and strengths by serving as the corresponding secretary and the vice president of the organization. Those office experiences served her well as an undergraduate and prepared her for a position on the House Board. "I loved serving as corresponding secretary and establishing good relationships with other sororities and fraternities," she said. "Serving as vice president of the organization taught me a lot about the intrafraternal structure and how important it is to set goals as a group and chapter council and to work together to achieve them." Julie has been serving as secretary for the Theta Chapter House Board for seven of the 14 years she's been on the board. It's been a rewarding experience and keeps her connected to Kappa. Julie has also served on the Theta Chapter Advisory Board for 20 years and is past president of the Columbia Alumnae Association. "I cherish serving on the house board and advisory board with several sorority sisters whom I got to know more than 25 years ago," she stated. "And now, I know them in a completely different way today." Looking back on her undergraduate years, the general theme of her Kappa experience was friendship—a theme that has certainly carried on and remained a constant beyond her college years. "Whether cramming for a test, grabbing a friend to go exercise, or general goofiness, there were always so many amazing and different young women to choose from," she shared. "Being a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma has given me lifelong friendships. The friendships I've made over the years as an alumna have been even deeper and more diverse. I love knowing and working on boards with Kappas from all different decades and chapters." She's learned first-hand how "the sisterhood will give back so much if you let it." Even now, nearly 30 years since joining, some of Julie's best friends are sorority sisters from her time at Mizzou, and her overall experience with the sisterhood has been invaluable and long-lasting. "Kappa Kappa Gamma provided me with a smaller 'family' in the vastness of the Mizzou campus, and living in the Kappa house provided me the opportunity to create even deeper friendships with young women in all pledge classes, not just my own," she shared. "I'm proud to serve on the House Board, which ensures our beautiful house is lovingly maintained." As a resident of Columbia, Julie appreciates living so close to the chapter she loves, contributing to it on a regular basis, and that her kids also get to experience her commitment and dedication to Kappa. You can reach Julie at julie@swaingroup.biz. kappa ExpEriEnCE shapEs JuliE ronChETTo swain '93 inTo lifElong lEaDEr for ThETa ChapTEr A lthough the spring semester has ended abruptly, Theta Chapter accomplished quite a bit prior to the campus shutdown. First, our membership chairwoman planned our Kupcakes with the Kappas recruitment event. We had the chance to meet many wonderful women on our campus. A few days later, we had the privilege of welcoming home new members Gigi Ori, Elise Finn, Julianna Bell, Ellie Howard, Kate Meara and transfers Olivia Barker and Sierra Sturnhahn at our spring-themed Bid Day. These women are incredible and we are so lucky to have them. Making the Most of Our Opportunities It was great to see our membership involvement pick up throughout the semester. Whether our members were studying abroad; partici- pating on Tour Team, AASB, Homecoming and Greek Week Steer- ing Committee; or being active in additional Panhellenic programs, we are proud of their accomplishments and how well they represent themselves and our chapter. We can't wait to see what the women of Theta Chapter to do within our chapter, on this campus, and in the community. All About Academics Not only do these women deserve to be recognized for their involvement-based accomplishments, but they are also excel- ling academically. We began the spring semester with a 3.43 all- chapter GPA, ranking sixth among Panhellenic chapters. Over 120 members ended the fall semester with a 3.5 or higher GPA and 32 women achieved 4.0s. We are extremely proud of our members' hard work and dedication. Philanthropic Pride When it comes to our philanthropic efforts, our goal is to make an impact in our community by working with our beneficiaries and other organizations in any way we can. We are privileged to give back to our community and be as hands-on as we are. As March began, Cedar Creek started back up and our girls were ready to help. Our philanthropy chairman organized our Reading Is Key event so we could spend time with the children at Blue Ridge El- ementary School. We also sent a group of Kappas to Joplin, Mis- souri, in collaboration with Mizzou Alternative Breaks. Kappas Keep Positive Mindset Despite Uncertainty Surrounding COVID-19 Along with the rest of the world, our chapter is experiencing an unprecedented situation related to COVID-19. Although the re- mainder of our spring semester may not look like it has in the past, we are grateful for our sisters and hopeful for what good this year might bring. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns over the next year. Without the support of alumna, like you, we would not be where we are today. Loyally, Morgan Knuckey '17 Chapter President kkg.thetachapter.president@gmail.com Collegiate Corner New Decade Brings Renewed Excitement to Theta Chapter

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