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History
A HALF CENTURY OF
This history is edited from the New Member Manual. We apologize for any errors.
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The 1970's
In the Fall of 1971, a Sorority was established at Husson College in Bangor, Maine under the guidance of Lambda Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity. The purpose of this sorority was to allow the spirit and principles of the Fraternity to be generated among young women in the same college atmosphere.
The Husson College Sorority was the largest of any of the local sororities. This prompted Lambda Chapter President, Glen Dabransky, and National Board Member, Ned Foster, to derive a plan by which the local Sorority could enjoy the name, attraction, and prestige of a National Sorority chapter. The new Sorority also had to compete with two National Sororities already well-established on campus and difficulties arose with being recognized by the Greek Council. However, the women were determined to continue their sorority, and requested some national support from the Fraternity. In April of 1971, Ned Foster requested that the National Board of Directors allow him to pursue the idea of forming a National Affiliated Sorority chapter at each Fraternity Chapter. The Board unanimously agreed to allow the formation of this organization with no obligation tied to it. The Board voted to supply charters to each chapter, and to formulate a complete sorority organization for the future.
On December 6, 1971, Kappa Lambda Sorority was officially given the distinction of being the first chapter of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. Twenty-three women founded Kappa Lambda Chapter at Husson College. They are Pat Ouellette, Angie Parker, Kathy Luciano, Dee Tzovarras, Tricia Crosby, Laurie Beckwith, Joanna Lobozzo, Becky Ritter, Joyce Welch, Renie Mountain, Bridgett Burtchell, Bonnie Griener, Nancee Brearly, Debbie Therriauly, Barbie Richard, Eileen Coombs, Karen Kulikowski, Kathi Gleason, Jan Spaulding, Sharon Soles, Sue Caron,
April 14, 1900
Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity established at Bridgewater State College
Kappa Beta Sorority at Salem State College, Kappa Omega Sorority at Unity College, and Kappa Phi Sorority at University of Maine Augusta were established by Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity and became dormant prior to the ratification of our National Constitution.
December 6, 1971
Kappa Lambda at Husson University becomes the first chapter of Kappa Delta Phi National Sorority May 1, 1972
Three chapters were chartered: • Kappa Chi at Southern New Hampshire University • Kappa Eta at University of Maine at Machias • Kappa Pi at Cape Cod Community College February 1, 1973
Kappa Nu founded at Thomas College May 6-8, 1977 First convention of KDPNAS was held May 7, 1977 KDPNAS constitution and bylaws were ratified Summer 1977 "Glory to Kappa" written by Sue Dyer (KM), Eric Anderson (T) and Debra Gagne (KX)
October 1972 Kappa Rho chartered at University of Maine at Fort Kent November 1, 1972 Kappa Upsilon chartered at University of Massachusetts at Lowell November 8, 1972 Kappa Mu chartered at University of Maine at Presque Isle November 19, 1972 Kappa Epsilon founded at Rhode Island College
November 1978
• Kappa Iota colonized at University of Southern Maine • National Alumnae Association established
Leslie Vartabedian, and Mimi McBride. They were led by Leslie Vartabedian, who was the first President of the chapter and advised by Cathy Hegarty.
In keeping with the notion to establish a National Affiliated Sorority at each of the fraternity chapters, more groups of women were introduced to the opportunity to establish Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. as a national sorority at their college. Three chapters share the charter date of May 1, 1972: Kappa Chi at New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University) in Manchester, New Hampshire, Kappa Pi at Cape Cod Community College in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and Kappa Eta, at University of Maine at Machias. The three chapters had originally been other sororities—Beta Gamma Phi, Gamma Kappa Sigma, and Sigma Phi Tau, respectively.
Plans began in May of 1972 for the formation of Kappa Rho Chapter at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, with an expected charter date of October 1972. The Fall of 1972 foresaw promising aspects, as requests were received from two more Fraternity chapters for assistance on forming Sister Sororities—Kappa Upsilon chapter at the University of Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts was chartered on November 1, 1972, followed by Kappa Mu chapter of the University of Maine at Presque Isle on November 8, 1972.
On October 2, 1972, Ned Foster traveled to Kappa Eta Chapter as well as three other chapters presenting the first draft of the National Sorority Pledge Program, the National Membership Oath, the National Motto, and the History.
In the Spring of 1976, Kappa Mu Chapter invited other known chapters to attend a meeting for the purpose of becoming unified. A Temporary Board of Directors was established—Fred Randall (ΚΔΦ, Temporary Chairperson), Mary Jane Shimp (ΚΛ), Nina Lee Warnick (KN), Pat Sawyer (KH), Denise Desjardins (KH), Susan Dyer (KM), Debbie Gay (KM),
February 2, 1980
Kappa Xi established at Lyndon State College
Spring 1981 First joint convention with the National Fraternity December 13, 1981 Kappa Omicron chartered at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
March 30, 1985
Charters were presented at Convention 1985: • Kappa Sigma at Plymouth State University • Kappa Tau at Castleton State College • Kappa Nu at Thomas College
November 1, 1985
Kappa Psi chapter revoked due to lack of interest at the college
March 15, 1980
Kappa Gamma established at Keene State College
October 6, 1984
Kappa Rho reactivated
April 3, 1983 Kappa Psi founded at Framingham State College April 16, 1983 Kappa Iota chartered
November 8, 1986
Policy enacted that the Greek letters KΔΦ may not be worn by sisters without being accompanied by N.A.S. directly near them in a 3-to-1 ratio
and Pat Tipple (KE). The first meeting of the Temporary Board of Directors was held April 24, 1976, at Husson College. Business included amendments to the Constitution, Kappa Rose Award, transferring from chapter to chapter, pledging, a name for the sorority, the pledge pin, badge, flag, and dues.
The first Convention of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. was held May 6-8, 1977 at Kappa Tau Chapter, in Castleton, Vermont. On May 7th, 1977 the Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws were accepted and ratified, thereby establishing the new sorority. A new Board of Directors was elected and consisted of the following Sisters: Debra Gagne (KX)—President, Susan Dyer (KM)—Vice President, Lois French (KX)—Secretary, Denise Desjardins (KH)—Treasurer, and Cindy Hall (KX)—Member-at-Large. Paul Collette succeeded the position of Executive Director of the Fraternity and Sorority.
At the November 1978 meeting held at Keene State College, Kappa Iota chapter was given permission to colonize for one year at the University of Southern Maine at Portland-Gorham. The formation of a National Alumnae Association was established with Debbie Noyes (KΛ) and Michelle Desrosiers (KM) as volunteers to set up the association.
At the Summer Workshop in 1979, the National Sorority was restructured. Susan Dyer was appointed as the first Sister Executive Director, and Paul Collette became Advisor. At this time, the Sorority found it necessary to be partially sponsored by the National Fraternity. On July 17, 1979, Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. became incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of New Hampshire.
The 1980's
1980 began as a very busy year. Two new chapters had been established— Kappa Xi chapter on February 2, 1980 and Kappa Gamma on March 15, 1980. These two new chapters received their charters at the National Convention that spring. Kappa Iota Colony had not yet obtained a charter, but was granted voting privileges and the right to compete for trophies at Convention.
April 7, 1990
One single national shield instituted Fall 1990
Investigative Judicial Committee (IJC) was established until it was disbanded in 2019
April 13, 2002
Kappa Omicron declared dormant November 9, 2002
• Kappa Mu declared dormant • Kappa Xi reactivated April 12, 2003
Kappa Xi chartered Fall 2004
Kappa Tau became dormant April 14, 2007 Kappa Alpha Iota chartered May 2007 Kappa Omicron recolonized
October 2008
Kappa Alpha Lambda Colony disaffiliated
Spring 1998
Kappa Epsilon declared dormant
November 1997
May 5, 2006 Kappa Alpha Iota colonized at Shippensburg University Fall 2006 "National Only Letters" policy instituted
The progress of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. started to show. Convention 1981 was the largest Convention ever—jointly sponsored with the National Fraternity—with a turn-out of 300 Sisters and Brothers attending. There were now eight active chapters and one colony— Kappa Lambda, Kappa Eta, Kappa Chi, Kappa Mu, Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Nu, Kappa Xi, Kappa Gamma, and Kappa Iota Colony. On March 31, 1981, Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. became incorporated in the State of Rhode Island in keeping with the regulations of the IRS.
On October 6, 1984, Kappa Rho Chapter from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Maine was re-activated as a chapter of the National Sorority. On March 30, 1985, charters were presented to the three newest additions to the Sisterhood—Kappa Tau of Castleton State College, Kappa Nu of Thomas College, and Kappa Sigma of Plymouth State College. Unfortunately at the 1985 President/ Treasurer’s Meeting later that fall, it was announced that in agreement with the chapter, the charter of Kappa Psi would be revoked due to lack of interest of the college.
On November 8, 1986, the Alumnae Badge was introduced and a policy regarding the wearing of the Greek letters ΚΔΦ was reinforced. The policy states that the Greek letters ΚΔΦ may not be worn by sisters without being accompanied by N.A.S. directly near them in 3 to 1 ratio. Furthermore, it was stated that they should be worn by Sisters tastefully and respectfully at all times.
The 1990's
Convention 1990 was hosted by Kappa Omicron on April 7th. The Convention was dedicated to Claire M. Sullivan (KO, Fall 1985) who was killed in a boating accident in September 1989. One badge was decided on, the white badge used by Kappa Lambda, which is now known as our shield.
On February 10, 1996, Κappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. welcomed its newest chapter—Kappa Alpha Gamma, with eight founding Sisters at the State University of New York at New Paltz. They were officially awarded their charter at the 1996 Convention, held in Bangor, Maine on April 13th, marking the first chapter in New York State.
In 1997, the National Board was restructured to better manage itself. The duties of Executive Director were divided into three positions: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The positions were filled by Alysia Tardelli (KY), Paula Coutroubis (KO), and Angela Jacobs Carrot (KN) respectively.
April 17, 2010
Kappa Alpha Alpha chartered Spring 2012
• Kappa Alpha My and Kappa Omicron received their charter • The Sorority's Purpose was rewritten and reads as the current mission statement
2015 President's/Treasurer's Meeting discontinued
Summer 2016 Kappa Tau closed November 7, 2016 Kappa Eta closed February 11, 2017 Kappa Alpha Xi
Summer 2018
GreekTrack implemented
April 14, 2018 Vote to change the language of Membership Articles of the Constitution to be more inclusive, replacing "female" with "women." Kappa Alpha Nu chartered. November 11, 2018 Kappa Alpha Omicron Colony colonized at State University of New York at Oswego
2020-2021 More inclusive and accurate language implemented, replacing "Field Representative," "Colony" and "Affiliate"/"Affiliate Education" April 4, 2020 Convention held virtually for the first time due to COVID-19 September 13, 2020 Kappa Rho closed
February 19, 2009 Kappa Alpha
Alpha colonized at University of Maine Orono September 17, 2009 Kappa
April 18, 2015 Kappa Tau
April 6, 2019 Kappa Alpha Xi chartered July 24, 2019 Kappa Alpha Mu closed October 13, 2019 Kappa Alpha Pi colonized at Union College December 11, 2019 Kappa Alpha Alpha closed
At the 1997 President/Treasurer’s Meeting, it was announced that Kappa Xi chapter was declared dormant, as was Kappa Epsilon chapter at Convention 1998.
The 2000's
Kappa 2000 was the prevalent theme of Convention 2000 at Bridgewater State College. The Convention was an extraordinary one since it was held on the weekend of April 14th, which marked the 100th anniversary of Kappa Delta Phi. Hosted by Alpha Chapter at Bridgewater State College, the weekend was a wondrous celebration of Kappa Delta Phi. The 2001 President/Treasurer’s meeting held at Husson College marked the 30th anniversary of the Sorority. A celebration took place honoring the countless accomplishments of our sisterhood and all of its past and present members.
At Convention of 2002, it was announced that Kappa Omicron was no longer an active chapter. At the 2002 President/ Treasurer’s meeting, the dormancy of Kappa Mu was announced, along with the re-colonization of Kappa Xi, where ten women would work to bring this dormant chapter back to life. On April 12, 2003, Kappa Xi Colony was presented their charter and was welcomed back into our sisterhood. At the 2004 President's Treasurer’s meeting, it was announced that Kappa Tau was now a dormant chapter.
Convention 2005 was by far the most successful national meeting for many years. Hosted on April 16th, almost 90 percent of all active members were in attendance. A major joint effort with the Brothers, highlights included spectacular displays and a formal joint awards luncheon. Kappa Mu was presented their charter and welcomed back to bring the sorority to twelve chapters. The newly colonized chapter at York College was happily announced. Expansion efforts have paid off and membership doubled over the past year. It was the strongest financial year in over a decade and chapter debt was expected to be zero by the summer—the first time since the start of insurance.
On May 5, 2006 the interest group at Shippensburg University established colony status with Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. They were awarded their charter at Convention 2007.
Due to a copyright infringement issue, the national board announced a major change in regards to how chapter letters are allowed to be displayed—chapters must display the Greek Letters as designed by our National Sorority for any and all forms of advertising, apparel and merchandise. Chapter designation may only be worn in conjunction with the National Letters with the word "chapter" written in conjunction with chapter or colony name. In addition, the chapter designation can be displayed no more than half the size of the National Letters. This transition to “National Only Letters” was not expected to be immediate, with a four-year period provided for full compliance, allowing for chapters who choose to explore the option of gaining legal rights to their chapter designation on their own ample opportunity to so do.
At the 2007 President's Treasurer's Meeting, we welcomed back Kappa Omicron colony, which was re-colonized earlier that fall. This addition increased our footprint to thirteen chapters and two colonies.
Convention 2008 was hosted by Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity and Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. at the Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine. This was by far the largest Convention Kappa has seen in some time with almost 500 Brothers and Sisters in attendance. In addition, due to the growth and expansion of the Sorority, a constitutional amendment was passed in order to distribute the duties of the Vice Presidency and to better serve the active Sisterhood. The Executive Board now consists of the President, the Vice President of Administration, the Vice President of Membership, Treasurer, Secretary and two Members-at-Large.
At the President/Treasurer’s Meeting of 2009, it
was shared with the sisters present that on November 6, 2009 the Board of Directors of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. was presented a letter by the Board of Directors of Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity which ended our affiliation. Minutes are available for reading for further information. It was announced that New England College in Henniker, NH was colonized as Kappa Alpha Mu Colony.
The 2010's and Beyond
Over 3500 sisters to date have contributed to the growth and perpetuation of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority, Inc. by 2012. Conventions of this decade saw a handful of charters—Kappa Alpha Alpha in 2010, though its activity only lasted until December 11, 2019 when it was closed, Kappa Omicron in 2012 as well as Kappa Alpha Mu in 2012 which remained open until July 24, 2019, and Kappa Tau in 2015.
Convention 2014 marked the first joint Convention held with the brothers since 2009, held in Hyannis, Massachusetts on April 11-13, 2014. Fall of 2014 saw the last President's/ Treasurer's Meeting, switching to a Nationals-only meeting in the fall semester.
Expansion into New York was well underway after Kappa Alpha Gamma paved the road. Kappa Alpha Nu from University of New York at Albany was introduced as the newest colony of Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority at Summer Workshop of 2015. The group received their charter, becoming the newest chapter at Convention 2018. Kappa Alpha Xi Colony at Utica College in Utica, New York was introduced as the newest colony at Convention in 2017, and received their charter two years later in 2019. Two more colonies were also established in New York—Kappa Alpha Omicron at State University of New York at Oswego on November 11, 2018 and Kappa Alpha Pi at Union College in Schenectady, New York on October 13, 2019. and activities. In the Fall 2017, Kappa Mu Chapter was closed as was Kappa Rho in Fall of 2020.
At Convention on April 14, 2018, a change to the Constitution was unanimously voted upon (17-0) thanks to the hard work of the Women’s Issues Committee led by Kate Montelione-Cortazzo (KAΓ). This change rewrote the Membership Articles, replacing all instances of “female” to “women.” This was the beginning of the various efforts of more inclusive language changes to come, including "Emerging Chapter" to replace "Colony," "Potential New Member" and "New Member Education" to replace "Affiliate" and "Affiliate Education," respectively. "Field Representative" is also changed to "Chapter Consultant" to be more representative of the duties of the role.
During the general business meeting of Summer Leadership Retreat 2018, a new online membership database called GreekTrack was announced. This program is meant to streamline operations and maintain detailed records for posterity purposes.
Unfortunately Kappa Eta Chapter was officially declared dormant at Convention 2016 and Kappa Tau Chapter was officially declared dormant in 2016 at Summer Workshop, renamed "Summer Leadership Retreat" to reflect its purpose 2020 saw events turn virtual due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting Convention and Summer Leadership Retreat, as well as everyday chapter activities from meetings to fundraising, even New Member Education.
