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 Gamma Chi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is the oldest sorority at The George Washington University! In March of 1920, six young women at The George Washington University were displeased with the limited women’s organizations on campus and petitioned Kappa Kappa Gamma for the right to open a chapter. Gaining recognition on campus as a local chapter called Gamma Beta Pi, it was not until June 7, 1929 that the women received their official charter. Since then, Gamma Chi has remained a constant presence on GW’s campus.

At the beginning of the 1960s there existed a strong Greek presence on campus, however, by 1968, Gamma Chi was one of the only chapters left due to the explosion of the Civil Rights and Peace movements. In 1970, a meeting was convened to discuss the future of Greek life at GW. Out of the seven sororities left, Kappa was the only one that still wanted to be recognized.

Struggling to keep Greek life alive, Kappa came out on top. Today Gamma Chi remains an ever-successful chapter and still possesses the same love for their members as they have had in the past.