Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Missouri

The Key to Excellence Since 1875 THETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI | WINTER 2018 THETA CHAPTER ANNOUNCES $1.25 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Alumnae Support Essential to Renovation and Expansion Project Success W hen we look back at our own Kappa Kappa Gamma experience, we can see how the friendships, leadership, learning, and service opportunities—even decades ago—helped shape who we are today. We are thankful for our close bond of sisterhood with our Theta Chapter sisters, for the leadership development that helped us become successful women, and for the countless ways in which membership in Kappa has impacted our lives. We still remember, as we're sure you do, the great times we had at the Kappa house and the memories we created. Sisters, the future of Theta Chapter begins now. Greek life at the University of Missouri remains extremely vibrant, and our growing numbers are a testament to both the ever-increasing demand for the fraternal experience at Mizzou and the strength of our chapter. While Kappa Kappa Gamma continues to attract outstanding women, we know there's a significant need to offer updated facilities to our members and a place that all members can gather together for meetings and meals. Given these pressing needs, the house board is proud to announce The Key to Excellence Since 1875 campaign to secure our legacy of success at the University of Missouri. This campaign will allow Kappa Kappa Gamma to renovate and expand our beloved chapter house to meet the needs of today's students, to remain competitive on campus among other sororities that are completing renovations and rebuilds, and to provide a safe living and learning environment that we can all be proud to call home for years to come. Early commitments from 87 generous alumnae already total more than $708,900, representing just 3 percent of our alumna base. We are asking for your help at this time to reach or exceed our campaign goal of $1.25 million. Whether you are a member from the 1940s, the 2010s or some time in between, Theta Chapter needs your support now. As you reflect on the many ways in which Kappa has positively influenced your life, we hope you share our goal of ensuring that the lifelong bonds of Kappa Kappa Gamma sisterhood may continue to be enjoyed at Mizzou by future generations to come. We would be honored to have you join our growing list of loyal supporters who are leaving their mark by generously providing for Theta Chapter's future, just as previous sisters did for all of us. Thank you for your loyalty, consideration, and support of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri. Loyally, Marian Klingbeil Williams '55 Suzie Calvin Dalton '81 Campaign Chairman Campaign Co-Chairman wms2821@aol.com suzanne.dalton@kkg.org (505) 249-7925 (314) 614-3388 Construction progresses at the chapter house this winter. Love for Kappa Kappa Gamma Inspires Virginia Zimmerley Stewart '55 to Give Back F rom a young age, Virginia Zimmerley Stewart '55 heard wonderful tales from her mother, Florence Cole Zimmerley, Gamma Tau '29, about Kappa Kappa Gamma's talented members and the amazing opportunities presented to them through the sisterhood. Although she went through the recruitment process at the University of Missouri with an open mind, she ultimately made the decision to continue her mother's legacy by joining Kappa. "Kappa seemed like the perfect fit for me," Virginia said. Virginia's involvement in both the sorority and numerous on-campus activities was abundantly clear to everyone who knew her, and she was even crowned Mizzou's Homecoming queen her sophomore year. In her professional career, she worked at Canterbury Travel Agency in Columbia, Missouri, for more than 10 years. Her husband, Norman, or Norm Norm as their family calls him, served as the head coach of Mizzou's basketball team, and through this, Virginia developed the idea to broadcast a local television show promoting the university and team. The program discussed the players' lives outside of basketball and was received extremely well in Missouri and neighboring states. Virginia discussed the positive impact Kappa had on her husband's career since many of the fans that attended the games were Kappa members and alumnae. "Their support throughout the years meant a lot to Norm Norm and me," Virginia said. Virginia and her family later moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she became involved in the alumna groups that supported Beta Zeta Chapter and Delta Omicron Chapter. After moving back to Missouri, Virginia maintained her involvement with Kappa by serving as recruitment advisor for two years. Though the position was demanding, she said it was always wonderful to meet the women living in the house and to see the future generations of Kappas learning and leading at Mizzou. "I truly love and admire the women I have met through Kappa," Virginia said. The bond between sisters is completely unique, but Virginia believes this connection becomes even more special as an alumna. Kappa had a profound impact on Virginia and her family's life. Through her positive experiences and love for Kappa Kappa Gamma, Virginia was motivated to support The Key to Excellence Since 1875 campaign. "It was as much Norm Norm's idea as much as it was mine," Virginia said. "It seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back to a group that has given me so much." Virginia visited the chapter house after the recent renovations and is proud of the progress that is being made on the house. She hopes that alumnae will consider making contributions that will address the needs of future undergraduates to ensure they have the same quality experience that she had. Virginia lives in Columbia, Missouri, with her husband, and they also spend time at their home in Palm Springs where Virginia has been in contact with the large and active Desert Alumnae Association. They have two sons, Jeffrey and Lindsey, and a daughter, Laura Stewart Knowles, Beta Mu '83. Virginia enjoys reading, attending book club meetings, playing bridge, volunteering, and spending time with family. If you would like to reconnect with Virginia and find out more about why she supports the capital campaign, she can be reached at vczstewart96@gmail.com. Virginia Zimmerley Stewart '55 and her husband, Norman.

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