Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Arizona

KEYping Up with Kappa 4 M y journey into this vibrant world of Greek life began unexpectedly, ignited by a simple question from my daughter: "Mom, can I join a sorority at UBC in Vancouver?" I must admit, up until that point, I had never heard of sorority life. Everything changed when we visited a KKΓ chapter house in Seattle over the weekend. Amidst the lively halls, my daughter expressed a thrilling idea—why not become a house mom while she pursued her dreams with KKΓ? Her belief in my ability to take on this role warmed my heart. With a decade of experience in property management, a field I am passionate about, this role could be my perfect match. My journey began as a fashion designer in Germany. After completing my four-year education, my eagerness to explore the fashion world led me to Ibiza, Spain, where I embraced the role of a bikini and beachwear designer. The experience was exhilarating, but returning to Germany during winter opened the door to a remarkable opportunity. I took on a lucrative position as a commercial large-scale floral designer at a prominent flower production connected to China, producing plastic and silk flowers. My determination propelled me to become the head designer for creative prototypes of flower arrangements showcased for purchase in catalogs and large companies such as Sears, Macy's, and Kmart. Before long, I sought connections to develop my business skills, packed up my little family, and moved to the Netherlands. I entered a position as a multinational leasing agent for NATO in the Netherlands, where I helped hundreds of military families find homes across the Netherlands. After my fulfilling post at NATO, I moved my household to Canada and immersed myself in real estate and property management. After 10 years living in beautiful Calgary, my daughter expressed the idea of studying in the U.S., prompting us to pack everything up once more and drive down to California, where I embarked even more on my career as a licensed property manager and real estate agent. Eventually, I transitioned to the Greek world, where I could unleash all my talents in problem solving, people mentoring, and property and management assessment by dedicating my time to empowering young women with the wisdom I had gained about life and business. I am excited and grateful as I step into this critical role at KKΓ. Returning to the organization where my daughter discovered her true passion and the beauty of sisterhood holds a special place in my heart. Reflecting on nearly 13 years as a house director at universities like USC in Los Angeles and the University of Washington, I still cherish each moment. However, my goal was to work in a KKΓ house to give back what my daughter had already received in lifelong relationships with her peers, a great sense of belonging, and what KKΓ represents: a high GPA and making connections through leadership. My days here at the chapter are vibrant and full of activity. I have vital appointments with our incredible team—maintenance specialists, gardeners, kitchen management, staff, AC, multiple safety teams, and exceptional housekeeping team—and I also have vital appointments with our incredible housekeeping team. Regarding overall management, I rely on our executive board of strong and experienced directors, which consists of volunteers and advisors. Many alumnae have lived or been part of KKΓ for decades in the chapter house I manage for them. I couldn't do my job without them, and I thank them often for their generosity and experience. The tradition and love of all of us make Kappa Kappa Gamma a special place now and for years to come, and a community of brilliant scholars and eager students, conquering the world with their strengths. My daily routine involves appointments with vendors and specialists to keep the house well-maintained. I love attending meals with the students and chatting in our dining room, which I genuinely cherish. Whether I'm mentoring, leading workshops in cooking, brewing a comforting cup of tea, or sharing coffee in the afternoon with someone, these small, meaningful moments lay the foundation for lasting connections. Looking ahead, my goals for Gamma Zeta Chapter reflect my desire to foster an atmosphere rich in joy, dedication, and sisterhood. I am deeply committed to fulfilling my calling in this nurturing environment, where the impact we can make on these extraordinary young women is remarkable. Receiving the 2024 House Director of the Year award was a profoundly humbling experience that reminded me how meaningful my dedication to various chapters has been. I never imagined being nominated, let alone honored in such a way. This recognition fills me with gratitude and reinforces my belief that the journey has been worth every moment. You can connect with Luise at lmccaffrey50@gmail.com. Keeping the Kappa Special HOUSE DIRECTOR LUISE MCCAFFREY DISCUSSES CAREER, EXPERIENCE WITH GAMMA ZETA Luise McCaffrey (center) at the 2025 Greek Awards.

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