Chapter History
Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. was founded at the University of Texas at Austin on November 8, 1998. Excellence of character, leadership, scholarship, sisterhood, service, womanhood, culture, and betterment of self are the fundamental ideals that have proudly guided every chapter and led to the development of a truly unique sisterhood. Furthermore, the sorority has provided each and every soror with unequaled opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Established during a progressive generation, when South Asian women were breaking traditional molds and stereotypes and rising as influential and visible leaders, the founders of the Sisterhood recognized the need for a strong system of support.
Not only do South Asian women face the responsibilities of managing a household and family, but are also challenged to serve as footholds in the community and professional world. Kappa Phi Gamma values the talent and unique potential of these women. Thus, the Sisterhood provided a network for such individuals to prepare for tomorrow and achieve their highest possible aspirations.
National History
In 1998, Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. became America’s first women’s Greek-letter organization to promote a South Asian interest. Her roots date back to the Jester basement at the University of Texas at Austin where 27 collegiate women from a myriad of backgrounds collaborated to form what would be the most diverse and strongest sorority of its kind.
The founders envisioned a sorority built around 8 principles: character, leadership, scholarship, sisterhood, service, womanhood, culture, and self. Realizing the quality of the Sisterhood could never be compromised, the founders’ every endeavor thereafter was directed toward fostering these 8 principles and establishing a solid foundation for the future before embarking on plans for expansion
The infant years of the Sisterhood were dedicated to developing lifelong traditions and rituals, service to the community, writing and ratifying the national constitution, and a commitment to excellence.
During the first eight months alone, the Sisterhood participated in over 30 community service activities. These efforts also resulted in Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority legacies such as the annual Sisterhood Retreat, CARE Week, the Emerald Endowment, the annual Miss Ugly Man Pageant, Founders’ Week, Family Weekend, the Fire and Ice Ball, and the Sterling Soiree.
The national constitution was completed in 2000, in which not a single clause excludes any woman based on color, creed, or national origin. The national constitution is predicted upon excellence and the 8 principles through a truly democratic Sisterhood. Moreover, incorporation of the Sisterhood took place in 2000, officially trade marking both the premiere symbols of excellence, Kappa, Phi, and Gamma, and those sorors who have been selected to perpetuate this archetype.
Holding true to the goal of never sacrificing quality for quantity, Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority initiated the expansion of its ideals for the first time in September 2000 by chartering the Beta Chapter at the University of Texas at Dallas. This, however, was and is only the beginning of the sorority’s expansion era. Major milestones following include the establishment of the Gamma Chapter at Baylor University and the Delta Chapter at the University of Houston in 2001. Recent expansions include the Epsilon Colony at Boston University, Zeta Colony in College Park, Maryland, Zeta Colony at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Eta Colony at St. John’s University in New York.
Today, Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority is structurally and administratively steadfast and unified, yet multi-dimensional like no other. Tomorrow, the Sisterhood promises continued success, influence, and growth.
Legacy
We, the sisters of Kappa Phi Gamma, shall create a sisterhood directed towards the advancement of women. Kappa Phi Gamma aims to instill integrity of character and trust as components of personality. The sorority shall encourage bonding of women in order to strengthen sisterhood. We shall render service to the community and the university, thus supporting the betterment and unification of society. The sisterhood shall develop leadership skills and high academic standards that follow into the professional world. Kappa Phi Gamma shall promote pride of culture, womanhood, and self.
