Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Missouri

THETA NEWS | 4 Karen Gill Swope, Gamma Iota '70 Celebrates 50 Years of Sisterhood 2020 marks the 50th Kappa anniversary for Karen Gill Swope, Gamma Iota '70, whose Kappa journey began at Washington University in St. Louis. There, her college experience was colored by the Vietnam War and, of course, the Kappa Kappa Gamma sisterhood. "While I was a freshman, students burned the ROTC building," she shared "I crossed an angry picket line that was protesting the military industrial complex in order to take a chemistry exam." Although there was no chapter house, Gamma Iota had a room in the women's house where sisters could spend time together. "Between classes, we hung out in our comfortable living room and met there for chapter meetings and recruitment," she stated. That was the case until the spring of 1970, when the campus closed after the Kent State protests and students were sent home before the semester ended. At that point, she transferred to Wheaton College in Illinois, married her high school sweetheart, and moved with him to England for his Air Force duty. They spent the next four years at RAF Lakenheath just outside of Cambridge. Fortunately, she was able to continue her education there and earned her MBA at the base education center with career military officers. "At times, I was the only woman in the classes," she said. "This was great training for my career in accounting and finance, which was a male-dominated field at the time." After returning to the states, she found Kappa women at an alumnae association meeting and was soon plugged in at UC Riverside in California as the standards adviser. "My young Kappa self had no idea the joy that Kappa alumnae would bring to my life," she stated. "The Kappa actives were a delight and threw me a baby shower with lots of blue and blue." Their next move took them to Rolla, Missouri, where she once again found Kappa connections. "We had so much fun with progressive dinners, lunches, Founders Day celebrations, and awarding an annual Panhellenic scholarship," she said. "It was here I met my first 50-year Kappa, gave her an iris bouquet, and couldn't imagine ever receiving my 50-year pin myself." Continuing her career at the University of Missouri, Karen and her family moved from UMR-Rolla to Mizzou. While taking a Curves class in Columbia, she met another Kappa sister. "The next thing I knew, I was recruited for the Theta Chapter advisory board as scholarship VPAE and treasurer adviser," Karen shared. "As an ex officio member of the house board, I began attending meetings and was soon developing monthly statements and budgets for improved decision making." She was honored to be nominated for house board president and, alongside her amazing Kappa sisters, they signed on to start a vision committee, which led to the expansion and renovation of Theta Chapter. "It was a whirlwind of activity for two years," she said. "Meeting with the architect and builder weekly on the back patio in the summer and raising capital campaign funds at the same time." Since stepping down from her position as president, Karen has been enjoying her retirement. This time in her life has led to a new community, new Kappa sisters she met at the 150-year traveling van, and a book club invitation. But her Theta Chapter House Board friends will always be dear to her heart because of the very special bond they developed during the recent renovation. "Being a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma has introduced me to the most amazing women," she stated. "I treasure their zest for life, sense of adventure and travel, dedication to educating women, optimism, and commitment to encouraging female leaders. I am so proud to be a Kappa sister with these like-minded women." Connect with Karen at swopek@missouri.edu.

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