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.

Where it all Began…

Monmouth College was established in 1853 and founded in Monmouth, Illinois. Mary Louise Bennett and Hannah Jeannette Boyd first discussed the idea of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a women’s fraternity on a wooden bridge displayed on the Monmouth College campus. Alpha (meaning first), was the first Kappa chapter assembled at Monmouth College on October 13, 1870. On that day six women marched into the College chapel wearing golden keys pinned in their hair and the letters KKG on their clothing, pronouncing themselves as a new women’s fraternity.

Due to the restriction of women’s organizations around the year 1880, Alpha chapter was closed down in 1884 and reinstated as Alpha Deuteron on October 13, 1934. In 1992 the Monmouth College senate performed a vote that resulted in national fraternities to return on the Monmouth College campus. Alpha Deuteron chapter is part of the Epsilon South Province and is located in the Midwest.

The Monmouth Duo:

Along with Kappa Kappa Gamma, the women’s fraternity Pi Beta Phi was founded at Monmouth College in 1867. With both fraternities being founded within three years apart of one another at Monmouth College, the term “Monmouth Duo” was established. Both Alpha Chapters have an annual banquet dinner where they discuss their chapter’s yearly accomplishments, and host guest speakers who talk about women empowerment.