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 Beta Lambda Chapter was founded at the University of Illinois in 1899. And this year marks our 123rd anniversary on campus, which we couldn't be more excited about! This anniversary definitely calls for a celebration.

And we wouldn't have cause for a celebration if it wasn't for the two women that made secret plans to bring Kappa to the Illinois campus.

These two women, Katharine Lucinda Sharp and Frances Simpson, had been members of the Upsilon Chapter at Northwestern University and wished so badly to bring Kappa to the University of Illinois.

After approaching six undergraduate women of the university and two petitions to University Officials and the Grand Council the Beta Lambda Chapter received its charter in April of 1899. Installation of the first members then took place on April 28th of 1899.

Today, we have initiated a total of 3,116 undergraduate women of the University of Illinois into the Beta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Everyday, we as members of Beta Lambda, continually strive to uphold the values of Kappa Kappa Gamma as well as to continue the traditions the our chapter prides itself on.

Beta Lambda Members, 1931

Beta Lambda Members, 1944