History

Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded October 13, 1870, at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. Kappa's six Founders were exceptional young women who believed they could take on the world and create something totally new. Taught to love learning and literature, these educated ladies not only originated the idea of Kappa Kappa Gamma but wrote its constitution, planned its motto and chose its badge and name.

Mission Statement
Kappa Kappa Gamma is an organization of women which seeks for every member throughout her life bonds of friendship, mutual support, opportunities for self growth, respect for intellectual development, and an understanding of and allegiance to positive ethical principles.

Flower: The Fleur de Lis, or Iris
The fleur-de-lis was chosen as the Fraternity flower because of its general dignity, stateliness and grace, and because it combines the two blues of the Fraternity in one flower.

Badge: The Golden Key
The golden key was selected by the Founders as the badge of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The badge is worn strictly as an emblem of membership and only by initiated members. Members may not lend their badges to anyone except other Kappas. To keep badges only in the possession of members, it is encouraged that the badges of deceased members be returned to Headquarters.

Crest:
The Fraternity Coat-of-Arms combines the well-known symbols of Kappa Kappa Gamma: the key, the Greek letters, the new-member pin, the fleur-de-lis, the owl and the two blues.

Colors and Jewel: Light Blue and Dark Blue, The Sapphire
The colors of the Fraternity are light blue and dark blue, which have been described as those shades which in light and dark tones reproduce the “soft velvety blue approaching the cornflower in shade,” which is also a description of the sapphire, the Fraternity jewel. The sapphire is recognized as a symbol of truth, sincerity and constancy.

Mascot: The Owl
The owl is the bird of wisdom as well as the bird of Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom.

Click here for a list of notable Kappas.