Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Missouri

THETA NEWS | 2 T he pandemic has encouraged many of us to utilize our outdoor spaces this year. The Kappa house has been no exception. A new outdoor rug was added to make the courtyard comfortable, but restoration work will be needed soon. The first update will be widening the entrance and replacing the gate. This will be necessary to allow room for the removal of the fire escapes from the exterior of the house, a project tentatively planned for this summer. They are no longer needed because new indoor fire exits were added during the house renovation. Once the fire escapes are removed, a plan to update the courtyard will be finalized. The brick flooring will be replaced after water drainage and the window wells are evaluated. After the structural work is complete, a fountain and new plantings are on the wish list of things to add to our favorite oasis at the house. W hen I agreed to be House Board president two years ago, I filled the big shoes of Karen Gill Swope, Gamma Iota '70, who was relocating and for whom I had served as vice president for several years. The last year has been a challenge for sure, but I had the help of so many, and I am compelled to mention a few. Thanks to Karen for the long- distance support; a special thanks to Sarah Ryan Hill '88 and Tam Gilmore Sundvold '83, the new presidents; and to Amber Boutwell Snider '92, the next treasurer, for her ever-reliable backup. I can never adequately thank Julie Ronchetto Swain '93, board secretary, who was and is always there at every turn. Many thanks to the entire House Board for their devotion to Theta Chapter. Finally, I bow my head to my partner in crime, Julie George Gates '96, advisory board co-chair. Together, we got through whatever COVID handed us. When I walked into Kappa in 1958 as a junior pledge, I knew I was home; I don't think I ever left. Thanks to the HB for letting me hang around a little bit longer. Loyally, Vivian Eynatten Benedict '59 Outgoing House Board President A Special Thank You Moving Ahead Courtyard Update A s the Key to Excellence Since 1875 capital campaign comes to a close five years later, we are overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received: over $1.5 million was pledged. The original house was renovated, and a stun- ning expansion was added and furnished. There is one final task at hand: the installation of the named room plaques identifying our generous donors. Because of the dedication and generosity of our Kappa sisters, dozens of rooms and features throughout the house were made possible. Indi- vidual plaques will be placed near those locations, and a large, shared plaque will be installed with the names of those who gave more than $2,500. Now that the chapter house is empty for the summer, the plaques can finally be installed. The plaques will have a solid backplate with an engraved clear acrylic overlay.. Around 35 plaques will be displayed throughout the original house and new expansion. We look forward to a day soon when all can visit and see them in person! AN ELEVATOR AT KAPPA? Yes, there is one now! Its primary purpose is to transport luggage and belongings, the housekeepers' heavy cleaning equipment, or the food and supply orders delivered almost daily to the home of almost 100 Kappas. It begins in the basement level and ends on the second floor of the expansion. The main floor entrance is in the dining room where a donor plaque will be hung to recognize Ann Payne Cleek '70 and the Payne Family, who made the donation in memory of their mother, Frances "Tatie" Taylor Payne '41. Tatie served as a Theta Chapter adviser and then for many years on the Theta Chapter House Board. She was beloved and as vibrant as her nickname suggests. A family member even commented that Tatie's feet never touched the ground. Somehow the elevator donation seemed quite appropriate. Honoring Our Generous Sisters

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