Chapter History

You have to know where you’ve been to know where you are going. Kappa holds a special place in its heart for Fraternity history, but every chapter of our organization has unique beginnings of its own. Each plays a part in shaping us today. Read more about our chapters’ histories in Kappa's digital archives.

        The Fraternity of Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded on October 13, 1870 at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Over the years the establishment of numerous Kappa chapters traveled throughout the nation and finally in 1890 the Gamma Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was established in Pullman, Washington at the small Washington Agricultural College.  Though established, the chapter was not yet approved to be founded until 1920.
On May 7, 1920, the much anticipated first initiation and founding of the Gamma Eta Chapter took place.  On the first day, 27 eager women were initiated into the fraternity and on the second day, 14 more women joined them.
The first Gamma Eta Chapter house was purchased at 614 Campus Ave. with the help of Professor C.A. Isaacs who, with his wife, helped the new chapter through many difficult years of organization. (The History of KKG 1976)  In 1929 the thriving chapter had outgrown its first home and beautiful new home was built in order to accommodate 35 members.
          Now the Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gamma Eta Chapter house stands at 800 NE Campus Street and has a great deal more than 35 members.  The beautiful home that was built in 1929 has been added to with the $100,000 addition that was made in 1961.  The stately colonial Kappa mansion has gone through many renovations and still serves as the beloved home of the Kappa girls to this day.
          Now the members of the Gamma Eta Chapter observe many treasured traditions of the past as well as new additions to the Gamma Eta tradition including the Big Sister/Little Sister program, the Scholarship dinner, the Senior Banquet, the Kappa Kristmas party, the Founder’s Day observations and many more.
The women of the Gamma Eta Chapter are classy and involved students.  They value, honesty, exceptional grades, sincerity, and having a wonderful college experience.