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.

Historical Overview

April 1, 1930 – The Utah Alumnae Association was established.

November 11, 1932 – The Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was installed at the University of Utah with 22 charter members.

1941 – The association was still referred to as the Utah Alumnae Association in The Key magazine (February issue).

1944 – The Utah Alumnae Association was officially renamed the Salt Lake City Alumnae Association (SLCAA).

Culture & Traditions

A special song called “The Garden Gate Song” was written as part of the petition to establish the Delta Eta chapter. It was later adopted as an official Kappa song.

Five additional Delta Eta songs were included in the Fraternity songbook: Kappa Maid, Kappa Rhapsodie, Panhellenic Song, We Are The KKGs, I Love Your Blue

Notable Awards & Recognition

1952 – Phyllis McGinley (Hayden), Delta Eta, recognized as a poet and author, received the Alumnae Achievement Award

1974 – Diana Devine Felt, Delta Eta, recognized as a TV host, mental health coordinator for Salt Lake County, and civic leader received the Alumnae Achievement Award.

2006 – SLCAA served as Host City for Biennial Convention (Salt Lake City).

2014 – SLCAA received the Membership Growth Award at Biennial Convention in Houston, TX (Associations with 61–100 members).

2016 – SLCAA received the Alphonsine Clapp Howard Alumnae Association Membership Reference Award.

Leadership & Service Roles

Field Secretaries:

Nancy Lipman (Giles) – 1960–1962

Larae Robbins (Sansom) – 1962–1964

Gayle Pyke (Griffith) – 1974–1977

Graduate Counselors:

Nancy Lipman (Giles) – 1959–1960

Larae Robbins (Sansom) – 1960–1962

Chapter Consultants:

Jenn Haughey (King) – 1993–1995

Lori McDonald – 1995–1997