About Kappa



Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Six young women were indeed pioneers when they dared to march into the most public part of the Monmouth College campus, its chapel, on October 13, 1870, wearing their golden keys in their hair. The six young founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma were among the first women to avail themselves of the privilege of Greek-letter societies, that is, to organize into a congenial social group for the cultivation of friendships and intellectual stimulation.






The six collegians who started the Kappa journey were (from left to right): Mary Louise Bennett, Hannah Jeannette Boyd, Martha Louise Stevenson, Mary Moore Stewart, Susan Burley Walker, and Anna Elizabeth Willits

The historic founding of the fraternity by these six women is remembered every year on Founders Day, October 13, a day on which the founders are honored. Founders Day is also a time for Kappa members of all generations to come together in sisterhood and friendship.




FIRST woman's fraternity to utilize a Grand Council form of government, rather than a Grand Chapter Form (1881).
FIRST woman's fraternity to publish a magazine (The Key, in 1882).
FIRST fraternity to extend invitations to attend a Panhellenic convention (1891).
FIRST woman's fraternity to establish a Central Office (1922).
FIRST woman's fraternity to establish a permanent Fraternity Headquarters (1952).
FIRST fraternity to set up a Career networking program (1976).
FIRST woman's fraternity to incorporate a Heritage Museum (1980)





Ashley Judd, Beta Chi-Kentucky, starred in TV series "Sisters" as well as in the films Ruby in Paradise, Natural Born Killers, A Time to Kill, and Kiss the Girls.

Kate Spade, Omega-Kansas, former senior fashion editor and head of accessories at Mademoiselle Magazine, and since 1992 has designed her own line of handbags.

Nancy O'Dell, Eta Mu-Clemson, Weekend Anchor and Weekday correspondent for NBC's entertainment news show, Access Hollywood.

Jane Pauley, Delta-Indiana University, a long-time co-host of the popular NBC television program, "Today," and host of NBC's "Dateline NBC."

Kate Jackson, Delta Rho-Mississippi, lead star in the TV Series "Charlie's Angels" and other TV series.

Jann Carl, Entertainment Tonight news anchor

Helen Wagner Willey, AlphaDeuteron-Monmouth, since 1956 has been known as Nancy Hughes, the matriarch of "As The World Turns."

Bonnie Bartlett, Upsilon-Northwestern, Lead Role on TV's "Saint Elsewhere."

Jane Froman, Theta-Missouri, one of the nations most admired singers in the early 1940's subject of the 20th Century-Fox musical, With a Song in My Heart.

Lucy Webb Hayes, honorary Rho-Ohio Wesleyan, Wife of U.S. President R.B. Hayes

Julia Ward Howe, honorary Phi-Boston, author of Battle Hymn of the Republic.





To learn more about Kappa Kappa Gamma, contact our fraternity headquarters at:

P.O Box 38 Columbus, Ohio 43216-0038
Phone: 614 - 228 - 6515
Fax: 614 - 228 - 7809
Email: kkghq@kappa.org
Website: www.kappa.org