Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

H H H Sigma star X i Chapter has had an amazing start to the 2014-15 school year. We know it will only get better as we go! LOCAL AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION At the University of Kansas Greek awards banquet last spring, Sigma Kappa won a multitude of awards presented by the Panhellenic Association. Most notably we received Chapter of the Year, which is the highest distinction, for our outstanding achievements on campus and in the community. Some of the programs we were recognized for by this award are Hazing on Trial, an anti-hazing seminar that Xi brought to campus for fraternity and sorority members to attend, and our social justice program, Circle of Sisterhood, which promotes the empowerment of women in countries where women don't receive equal rights. This summer at convention Xi Chapter received the sisterhood recognition award and the academic achievement award thanks to our officers who worked tirelessly to propel Xi above and beyond the national Sigma Kappa averages for both categories. Kate Dejarnette '16, Jessica Clifford '15, and I represented Xi. The lessons we gleaned from sisters at convention have helped launch us into the 2014- 15 academic year with confidence and high expectations. FALL FORMAL RECRUITMENT This semester we hit the ground running as we moved into our beautifully renovated home two weeks before the start of classes to begin preparing for recruitment. Our efforts during work week paid off as we excitedly welcomed 66 new members to our freshman class, bringing our all‑chapter total to 188. This year we hit a record high in our retention rates each day of recruitment, making this our most successful recruitment to date. We couldn't have asked for a better time to renovate the chapter house and welcome our incredible new members to the mystic bond. STRIDES IN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Xi's GPA has been steadily increasing and was above the national Sigma Kappa average for the last three consecutive semesters. This spring Xi collectively earned a 3.21 GPA with seven members earning a perfect 4.0 GPA and 32 members making the KU Dean's List. These profound accomplishments ensued from programs both implemented and refined by Vice President of Scholarship Taylor Atkinson '16. Programs include an in-house tutoring system, essay revision, proctored study hours for women under a 2.75 GPA, and gifts and for members above a 3.5 GPA. With these new programs and the support of our dedicated officers, I'm confident Xi will continue making academic strides well into the future. THANK YOU On behalf of the chapter, I want to give a special thanks to Caren Brandenburg, Zeta Delta, Tennessee-Martin '82, who has been a friend and mentor not only to me, but also to countless undergraduate members throughout her 20-plus years as an advisor. Thank you to all our alumnae, family, and friends who have been the catalyst for Xi's incredible success; without all of your unwavering support we wouldn't be where we are today. Please feel free to stop by the chapter house for a visit. We can't wait to show off our beautiful new home to all our wonderful alumnae. Loyally, Maddie Gaughan '15 Chapter President (913) 832‑2269 maddiegaughan@ku.edu Onward and Upward Chapter Excels Thanks to Strong Bonds and Loyal Alumnae Page 6 Proud Sigma Kappa members during recruitment. Madison Thomas '14 and Samantha Harms '14 on Bid Day. A traditional dip in the fountain on Bid Day.

• Cover