OLDEST LOCAL SORORITY CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL AT IIT
Kappa Phi Delta was first sorority in Chicago; one of oldest in United States
Chicago, IL — November 16, 2004 —
On Nov. 16, 1904, five women from Lewis Institute established a sorority based on the true bonds of friendship, sisterhood and education. One century later, the Kappa Phi Delta sorority at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), the oldest sorority in Chicago, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend, two months after moving into its first physical house.
Kappa remains the only student group still existing from Lewis Institute after its merger with Armour Institute of Technology to become IIT. Beginning Friday, Nov. 12, Kappa, one of the longest running local sororities in the nation, will celebrate with a reception and visual history presentation from 7-8:30 p.m. at The McCormick Tribune Campus Center. A dessert-and-coffee reception at the new Kappa house, 3330 S. Michigan Ave., follows. The sorority will also host an anniversary luncheon for actives and alumnae on Saturday at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building.
“I am overwhelmed with pride and joy as we celebrate our centennial, a feat not accomplished by many local sororities,” said Kappa President Theresa Allen, a senior in architectural engineering. “Kappa has always been an active part of this institution and its history, and we know that no matter how the student body changes, we will be here to provide service to IIT and the community.”
As part of its centennial celebration, the sorority moved into its first physical house on Main Campus in August. Sorority members raised money for the house and spent time painting and cleaning while work went on to renovate the 50-year-old building, which formerly housed law students.
“IIT appreciates the strength and integrity of Kappa Phi Delta as it celebrates its status as the oldest sorority on campus and, as such, the first women’s organization to be accepted into the Greek Council,” said Lisa Montgomery, director of Women’s Services and Diversity Education. “Kappa serves as a testimony to the caliber of leadership, diversity, sisterhood and dedication that has lasted 100 years.”
For more information on Kappa and its anniversary celebration, visit Kappa Phi Delta.
Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.
