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.

Kappa Kappa Gamma at Illinois State University is the Theta Beta chapter, which was officially installed on December 1, 2018. Although the chapter is relatively new compared to many long-established sororities on campus, Theta Beta has grown quickly and built a strong presence through sisterhood, leadership, academics, and philanthropy. 

The chapter began as a new expansion effort by Kappa Kappa Gamma to bring its values and traditions to Illinois State University. Founding members worked closely with national leadership consultants to establish the chapter from the ground up — recruiting members, creating traditions, organizing philanthropy events, and building a campus identity. The chapter’s early years focused heavily on creating a close-knit sisterhood and setting standards that future members could continue to build on. 

Since being established at ISU, Theta Beta has become known for its involvement in campus life and mental health philanthropy. In 2021, Kappa Kappa Gamma nationally adopted mental health awareness as its primary philanthropic focus. The ISU chapter partnered with organizations such as Active Minds and The Jamie Boone Project, hosting events like basketball games, fundraisers, donut and cookie sales, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. 

The chapter also places strong emphasis on academics, leadership development, and creating lifelong connections among members. Even though Theta Beta is one of the newer Panhellenic chapters at Illinois State, members often describe the chapter as having a strong sense of unity because the organization was built so recently by women who helped shape its traditions firsthand