UI Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority Returns to Campus Next Fall
Monday, October 9 2000
^Oct. 9, 2000^ MOSCOW – After a 15-year hiatus, Kappa Alpha Theta will return to the University of Idaho next fall. ^The sorority’s homecoming is due to increased interest in sorority life and the university’s enrollment growth. "The addition of a new sorority marks one more step in our drive to make the University of Idaho a residential campus of choice in Idaho,” said UI President Bob Hoover. In addition, the sorority will be providing a high quality living and learning community when its chapter house is completed in 2002, Hoover added.^Kappa Alpha Theta, based in Indianapolis, Ind., was active on the Moscow campus from 1924 to 1985. The chapter was closed, however, during a decline in university enrollment.^But with increased enrollment and retention figures projected to rise this school year, the return of Kappa Alpha Theta seems natural, according to Vice President for Student Affairs Hal Godwin. “The University of Idaho is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded university experience. The Greek system is just one of many ways we try to meet that goal.”^Greek letter organizations strive to enhance students’ educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal and social development, according to Greek Adviser Chris Wuthrich. “As the Greek system evolves, students will have more opportunities to create lasting relationships with peers, making the experience at Idaho valuable and memorable,” he said.^“This is a huge step for our campus,” Wuthrich continued. “Not only does this mark the return of a well-known and cutting edge organization, but it also means the construction of a sorority chapter house – the first since the ‘60s.”^A chapter house – with room for 65 members – will be built on land leased from the university. The most integral forces behind this project have been Wuthrich and the governing body of the campus sorority system, Panhellenic Council.^Kappa Alpha Theta, founded in 1870 at DePauw University (then Asbury College) in Greencastle, Ind., was the first Greek-letter fraternity for women. Theta, as it is familiarly known, is recognized as a leader in the Greek community in terms of programs for members, scholarships awarded and chapter excellence. Kappa Alpha Theta is at the forefront of support for the alcohol-free housing movement among men's Greek groups and is pioneering a fire sprinkler system mandate in its chapter facilities. ^Kappa Alpha Theta supports 121 college chapters and 243 alumnae groups across the United States and Canada. Membership totals more than 174,000. Contact: Chris Wuthrich, Office of the Dean of Students, (208) 885-6757, wuthrich@sub.uidaho.edu or Leslie Einhaus, University Communications and Marketing, (208) 885-6489, lesliee@uidaho.edu. ^^^-30-^^le-10/9/00-STP^^^
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.