100 Years Young
One hundred years is a grand milestone for any organization. That is especially true when it is an organization that has been making leaders out of young women before they even had the right to vote. 2009 marks the 100th Anniversary of Panhellenic at the University of Oklahoma with the Kappa Alpha Theta’s centennial celebration.
Kappa Alpha Theta was started on the OU campus in 1909 and was joined the following year by Delta Delta Delta and Pi Beta Phi. These sororities, as well as over 20 others that have been a part of campus over the last 100 years, have made a major impact.
“People ask me about the impact of Greek organizations at universities. I know the impact at this university… when I look every year at the alumni who continue to support this university and who are most active at this university…the ratio is four, five, even six to one, are people who were a part of our sororities and our fraternities,” said OU President David L. Boren at an event honoring Panhellenic on April 17, 2009.
Many of the women who are leaders in other activities on campus are members of OU sororities, including the University of Oklahoma Student Association President and Campus Activities Council Chair for the 2008-2009 school year. This appearance of Greek leadership is not a new trend at OU, but one that spans generations.
“OU has such a strong Panhellenic tradition because the Greek system has always felt at home on the campus,” said Montgomery Gross, at Tri Delta alumnae who attended OU from 1949 to 1953. “The administration has always been so welcoming of the Greek system. It’s not that way at a lot of universities. We never felt like [the administration] was fighting against us. They were always supportive of us.”
Today, women who are members of OU’s Panhellenic sororities participate in thousands of hours of community service each year and have upheld an average GPA over 3.1 since 1998, according to the University Panhellenic website.
On April 17 and 18, Panhellenic entertained national and international representatives from the sororities on campus in a yearly event called “Queen for a Weekend”.
This year, however, the focus was not merely on the accomplishments of the 11 active sororities on campus over the last year. This year’s weekend focused on the accomplishments over the last 100 years by all the sororities that have been a part of OU’s tradition.
Visitors were treated to receptions and dinners in their honor at some of OU’s most prestigious facilities. At the Alumni brunch held at the National Weather Center, guests and Panhellenic alumni were treated to a fashion show that showcased styles worn by women during every decade Panhellenic has been active at OU.
From generation to generation one thing has remained constant with every house on OU’s campus—sisterhood. Regardless of which house one belongs to, sisterhood and a sense of pride tie members of OU’s Panhellenic together.
“My favorite memory of Tri Delta is probably just the feeling of being a part of something that is so close to my heart; being a part of a home with other girls who I became so close to,” said Gross.
Those same sentiments are echoed over generations and mean just as much to women involved in sorority life today.
“Sisterhood is more than just friendship… and knowing that this friendship is going to last forever and you’ll always share this love with your sisters,” said Courtney Gatlin, OU sophomore and member of Alpha Omicron Pi.
Claire Turmelle, member of Chi Omega and Panhellenic Centennial Chair, spoke about the deep ties that run through sororities.
“Recently I asked my grandma, an Alpha Delta Pi of the pledge class of 1945, what being an alumni meant to her. She responded ‘you’re not just a sorority member during your college years but forever.”
At the same event Jill Hughes, regional director of development for OU, spoke about the strong tradition of giving by Panhellenic alumni at the University. Panhellenic alumni give back to every aspect of the university, including scholarships, development and the beautification of campus.
“Panhellenic helps promote philanthropic education, leadership, advocacy, by empowering women to be active participants in the giving process. I think it’s safe to say that thanks to Panhellenic’s longstanding dedication to philanthropy we will ensure the continuity of generosity lives on.”
The philanthropic spirit shown by these Panhellenic alumni is part of a larger tradition learned during there college years that sticks with collegiate members long after they graduate. Each sorority on campus raises funds for their national philanthropies as well as participating in activities around the Norman community.
So what does Panhellenic have to look forward to over the next 100 years? Development in leadership, academics and philanthropy are at the top of that list.
“I hope the system can survive because it is a very rewarding experience to carry throughout their lives. I hope the system can continue to help young women realize they have a support system and belong to something in the world,” said Gross.
Delta Delta Delta at the University of Oklahoma is one of three houses on campus celebrating their centennial over the next year and a half. Photo by Ashley Haggard.
