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 Psi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded at Cornell on November 24, 1883 when five women applied to Kappa Kappa Gamma for a charter. Within three weeks, the Psi chapter was formed. By 1921, the chapter had raised sufficient funds to purchase a house located at 508 Thurston Avenue, the same location of the sorority house today. In 1969, the Psi chapter was closed and was later reinstated as Psi Deuteron in 1977.

Kappa at its core values leadership, friendship, and the importance of intellectual and academic excellence. In 1961, the Dean of Students said of the chapter, "The women of Psi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma have made the Panhellenic Creed a living reality on our campus and the student community has profited from their positive leadership." To this day, the women of Psi Deuteron of Kappa Kappa Gamma strive to attain and represent loyalty, commitment, and self-growth.