Kappa Alpha Theta

Kappa Alpha Theta
ΚΑΘ
Abbreviation:	Theta
Org Founded:	1879 at DePauw
CU Chapter:	Epsilon Upsilon
Chapter Established:	1986
Motto:
Symbol(s):	Kite and Twin Stars
House:	534 W. 114th
Recognition:	Panhel
Contact:	rof2103@columbia.edu

Kappa Alpha Theta, Epsilon Upsilon chapter, is one of the sororities recognized by the Panhellenic Council. The chapter currently occupies a brownstone at 534 W. 114th St.

The chapter earned a 5 star ALPHA Standards of Excellence rating in spring 2013 and received a Special Achievement in Community Service award for their community service actions taking place that year, which exceeded that of every other chapter in amount of funds raised and hours dedicated.

The chapter earned a 4 star ALPHA Standards of Excellence rating in spring 2012 and was awarded Outstanding Panhellenic Chapter by the Inter Greek Council. The chapter also earned achievement awards in philanthropy (presented to chapters that raise over $60 per member), community service (presented to chapters that complete over 20 service hours per member), academics (presented to chapters that have an average GPA above 3.4), and campus involvement (presented to chapters where over 60% are involved in another campus activity.)

These were all of the awards that chapters could possibly receive that year.

The chapter also earned the Chapter of the Year award in 2010.

Theta has consistently been one of the top fundraisers for Relay for Life. The Columbia chapter raised $11,898 in 2012 and $15,218 in spring 2013.

Service & Philanthropy

Theta’s national philanthropy, Court Appointed Special Advocates (or C.A.S.A.) is supported by every Theta chapter world-wide. C.A.S.A. is a unique organization that trains volunteers to speak on behalf of children involved in court proceedings. They provide valuable advisory information to judges and juries and very often also become trusted friends, mentors, and advisors, lending children the support they need during what can be a process filled with stress and uncertainty.

In addition to C.A.S.A., Kappa Alpha Theta chapters support the Theta Foundation. The mission of the Theta Foundation is to secure and manage resources for the education, leadership, and philanthropic programs of the Fraternity and for the scholastic, professional, and service pursuits of its members to help them reach their fullest potential and make a difference in the world. In short, it is an organization by Thetas for Thetas.

Theta’s philanthropy events, each held once per academic year, are open to the entire campus and have raised thousands of dollars for their philanthropies to date. The events are meant to foster a sense of both Greek and campus-wide community while promoting the cause of and raising money for Theta’s national philanthropy.

Controversy

In February 2014, Kappa Alpha Theta co-hosted an Olympics-themed mixed with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Several photos were posted on Facebook and later removed where Theta members dressed as stereotypes of different nationalities. According to Spec, 'Two of the photos showed students in sombreros, mustaches, and shirts with Mexican flags and slogans that read 'Down to Fiesta,' while others showed a group dressed as Germans and an individual as Ireland holding a sign that said, 'Kiss me, I’m a famined potato.'"^[1] The incident received national attention, led to the release of statements from such organizations as Chicanx Caucus and the Panhellenic Association, and provoked a campus-wide conversation on cultural appropriation. It is widely known as Thetagate.