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.

Pepperdine, established 1937

Chapter Founded in October, 1996

528 initiates (as of June 2014)

The Early Years

Colonization:

Kappa Kappa Gamma came to the shores of sunny California on April 1, 1996. As the Fraternity pledged 60 young women of the local sorority Zeta Kappa, and four alumnae, at Pepperdine University, this established the colony that became the Eta Beta Chapter. The pledging ceremony took place in the Pepperdine Chapel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Alumnae in the Malibu, California, area joined chapter members from UCLA, USC (California), and Cal. State, Northridge. Before pledging Kappa Kappa Gamma, the group was a longstanding local sorority-the largest on campus. At the University's request, the entire sorority system sought national affiliation. Other National Panhellenic Conference members colonizing on the Pepperdine campus were Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Pi Beta Phi, and Sigma Kappa. 

The previous information was excerpted from The Key, Volume 113, No. 2, Summer 1996.

Installation:

The fog rolled off the Pacific Ocean as 37 undergraduates and 24 alumnae were initiated to the Eta Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity October 4-5, 1996 at Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, Cal. State Northridge, assisted by UCLA, and USC (Calif.). Other Panhellenic groups on campus included Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Phi, and Sigma Kappa.