Association 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 association of our organization has unique beginnings of its own. Each plays a part in shaping us today and continuing the Kappa tradition beyond college.

Phoenix Kappa Alumnae Group was chartered in April 17th, 1928

• Our group encompasses the Metro Phoenix Area
• 2009 Province Award: Kay Reid Tennison Award
• 2008 Convention Award: Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Award for Associations with 100 - 250 members
• 2007 Province Award: Sally Gullick Award, given to the most outstanding Association in Kappa Province with 50 - 100 members

When the Phoenix Alumnae Association was chartered on April 17, 1928 the city of Phoenix census showed approximately 48,000 residents and the state itself was only “Sweet Sixteen”. It speaks well of the women who were motivated to make certain that the value of membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma would be available to any sister who lived in the young Valley of the Sun. As our city began to boom following World War II the Phoenix Alumnae Association was well positioned to serve as a gathering place for the civic-minded membership. The “Founding Mothers” of our association were actively involved in shaping the cultural, social and philanthropic face of Phoenix, and it continues today. Through the years our association has demonstrated creativity and tenacity in the support of important causes such as the Upward Foundation which was begun as pre-school to help meet the needs of a developmentally disabled child of a Kappa. Children have been a focus of our association for many years and a highlight in years past was always the Children’s Fashion Show that featured members’ sons and daughters on the runway.  Author’s Luncheons, bridge groups, book clubs, Mom’s and Tot’s, crafts…whatever the special interest of a Kappa was, the need could be met through membership in the alumnae association.  

As the valley grew, Scottsdale and then the East Valley chartered associations as well to better meet the needs of the members. The flexibility and spirit of cooperation between our sister groups have strengthened all as the combined efforts lead to the colonization of a chapter at Arizona State and continues in the shared responsibilities of Advisory Board and House Board positions. Since the beginning of the Phoenix Alumnae Association with Bunny Dameron, our first president, continuing through the years there exists a legacy of leadership that keeps Kappa membership as relevant and vital for the modern woman as it was for the pioneers who paved the way.

- Janet Reed