Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

3 Sigma Kappa Sigma Kappa Remains Strong Chapter Emphasizes Sisterhood and Staying Engaged F or our first semester without a chapter house, it was unknown how the chapter dynamic would change, but fortunately, we were able to have a remarkable fall semester. Participation in philanthropic activities and an extra emphasis on sisterhood events kept us connected. TOP-NOTCH FUNDRAISING In October, we hosted our annual soccer competition, Sigma Shootout, which raised funds for the Sigma Kappa Foundation thanks to the participation of teams on campus. We also continued our annual participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Our chapter raised almost $12,000 for the cause and was the top fundraising team! We also participated in the Pike Halftime and Dream Girl Competition and helped reach their $100,000 fundraising goal for the Florida Diabetes Camp and CHOMP Cancer. It was wonderful to be able to benefit so many amazing causes with our philanthropic efforts on campus and in the greater community. CELEBRATING SISTERHOOD We were able to celebrate our sisterhood with four different trips this semester. First, our large sisterhood trip of the fall was spent in Orlando, where we enjoyed time at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, stayed in a Disney hotel, explored downtown Disney, and visited the House of Blues. Later in the semester, we went to the Newberry Corn Maze, just in time for Halloween, which was a great time to explore the haunted maze, the haunted house, and other attractions. We were able to have a get-together thanks to one of our sisters opening her home and farm for us to enjoy. There was a photo booth, bonfire, s'mores, and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy. We finally got to close out the semester with a trip to Disney's Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a trip we loved so much last year and were able to repeat again this year. What a great way to wrap up an incredible semester! ENGAGED IN CHAPTER PROGRAMMING We were able to host some great guest speakers at our chapter programs this semester, making them all the more enjoyable. We had two U Matter, We Care ambassadors come to our chapter and teach our sisters about resources here at UF for students in distress, and how to help someone we see in distress. The creator of the Take Heart non-profit organization, Delta Ryan, spoke to the chapter about her organization and its mission to take care of and protect women in Africa. It was one of the most liked and successful programs of the semester, and we raised over $300 by purchasing fair trade items that orphans and widows made themselves with the help of Take Heart. These new topics benefited our chapter greatly, as they kept sisters' interests engaged and helped make everyone better sisters and members of our community. We are excited to see how Sigma Kappa takes on the new year, and could not be more thankful for our sisterhood and the support of our amazing alumnae! Loyally, Kylie Werk '13 President Beta Tau undergraduates at a sisterhood event in Orlando. Sisters hanging out between recruitment parties. Sigma Kappas celebrate Big/Little reveal in matching Hawaiian shirts. Sigma Kappa's 2016 executive council. Beta Tau sisters cheering on the Gators at a football game.

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