Kappa Alpha Theta
Founded in 1870, Kappa Alpha Theta is the first Greek letter society organized for women, by women. The Zeta Eta chapter at Wofford has developed a strong reputation through their evident sisterhood and sustainment of the high ideals of the Greek community and the campus as a whole. Our chapter has been recognized for our strength in sisterhood, scholarship, and service with the Golden Kite Award at our 2022 National Convention, given to chapters of Kappa Alpha Theta for overall chapter excellence. We strive for excellence in every aspect of campus life - academically, socially and philanthropically.
Quick Facts
Kappa Alpha Theta was founded in 1870 at Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) and has since maintained a long tradition of excellence. The Zeta Eta chapter at Wofford College was chartered in 1989 and is one of more than 128 collegiate chapters in the United States and Canada.
| Kappa Alpha Theta founding date: January 27, 1870 at DePauw University |
| Zeta Eta Chapter founding date: February 11, 1989 |
| Colors: Black and Gold |
| Flower: Black and gold pansy |
| Symbols: Kite and Twin Stars |
| Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) |
| Mission Statement: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta exists to nurture each member throughout her college and alumnae experience and to offer a lifelong opportunity for social, intellectual and moral growth as she meets the higher and broader demands of mature life. |
FAQs
The sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta are thrilled that you are interested in Sorority Recruitment! Sororities are a great way to get involved on campus at Wofford and to become a part of a service community. Kappa Alpha Theta prides itself on being Wofford’s Chapter of the Year sorority, receiving accolades in scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood. Sisterhood is something that is treasured long after one graduates from college, and Theta values this connection.
Before you enter the Recruitment process, you probably have a few questions. We hope that the information provided here will help to answer some of those questions!
What is the time commitment involved?
Kappa Alpha Theta has a weekly chapter meeting on Sunday evenings that lasts about an hour. This meeting is to involve all chapter members in the happenings of the chapter and to plan for Theta events around Wofford. Before initiation, new members will have an extra meeting once a week that will last about an hour. During this meeting new members will learn about chapter history and experience pledge class bonding time. Outside of weekly meetings, there are usually more time-consuming practices and meetings during recruitment but these are by no means all-encompassing of sisters’ time.
How will my grades be affected?
Kappa Alpha Theta values scholarship above everything else. At the 2021-2022 Greek Awards ceremony, our chapter was recognized with the Panhellenic Scholarship Award, given to the sorority with the highest cumulative GPA from the school year. We are proud of our sisters for maintaining a cumulative 3.60 GPA. Therefore, grades come first, and excuses from meetings can be obtained for school-related activities. We have older sisters in a variety of majors who are always willing to tutor any sister needing assistance. Furthermore, sisters are acknowledged weekly for their good grades, receiving prizes and praise for their hard work.
How hard is it to pay for dues?
Kappa Alpha Theta has a standard amount of money that is due each semester. These dues go towards supplies, social events, sisterhood activities, Panhellenic dues, and philanthropy events. Each Theta chapter has an alumna financial advisor and a vice president of finance who handle the finances. The Zeta Eta chapter at Wofford has special payment plans that are flexible to each sister’s needs. Kappa Alpha Theta does not believe in assessing sisters, meaning members will not be called upon for extra funds throughout the year for chapter events. Each sister can choose to purchase t-shirts from events on her own, but will not be required to do so.
How can parents get involved?
Theta always has a parents' weekend tailgate during the fall. Parents and family members are welcome to come meet sisters and enjoy Terrier football from a Theta perspective. Additionally, we host our annual Garden Party, where our sisters can invite influential women in their lives to come socialize, meet sisters, and celebrate our senior members. Our members are invited to include their mothers, grandmothers, other family members, and mentors in this event. Parents can also come to our annual philanthropy event, Flowers for Foster Care, which is a community-wide fundraiser to raise money for our national philanthropy Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
What philanthropy does Theta support?
Kappa Alpha Theta supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that provides advocacy and support for children and youth who have experience abuse or neglect. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) works to advocate for the child’s best interests to ensure they are place in a safe and permanent home. CASAs are sometimes referred to as Guardian Ad Litems (GAL), which is the case for our local branch of CASA/GAL in Spartanburg. For more information, please visit
https://nationalcasagal.org. Our chapter hosts many events throughout the year to raise awareness and support for CASA/GAL, including Flowers for Foster Care, Cupcakes for CASA, CASAnova, Kites and Queso, and other smaller events. In the 2021-2022 school year, our chapter raised over $15,000, which we contributed to our local Spartanburg County Guardian Ad Litem Program.
Does hazing ever happen in Kappa Alpha Theta?
Kappa Alpha Theta forbids any hazing or mock initiation of any kind. We expect each member to refrain from hazing others and to refuse to be hazed herself. We believe that hazing subverts and corrupts the true experience of Kappa Alpha Theta, and it can occur any time a chapter does not treat its members with dignity, kindness, generosity, and compassion. Furthermore, hazing does not promote an atmosphere for positive development of members. Membership should encourage a woman to develop her full potential and prepare her to accept the responsibilities of membership and to meet the demands of mature life.
Learn more at the Kappa Alpha Theta national website.