History
First conceptualized in 1993 by Christine Hsu and Ellen Wu, Kappa Gamma Delta captured the interest, imagination, and innovative spirit of five other women on the campus of Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana. The first meeting of founders was held on October 27, '94 at the International Center. Together, the seven founders, Christine R. Hsu, Nicole T. Lee, Kate A. Mundy, Kim Q. Nguyen, A. Khai Truong, Candy K. Truong and Ellen D. Wu set out to do extensive research on existing organizations and corresponded with people across the country. After a year of hard work and due diligence, on October 22, 1995, the constitution and by-laws of Kappa Gamma Delta were completed.
The first meeting with Indiana University's Greek expansion committee and the founders took place on December 1995. At the meeting, the founders declared their intentions of establishing the Alpha chapter of Kappa Gamma Delta. The expansion committee told the founders that they would have to demonstrate the goals and standards of KGD before being officially recognized. On April 17, 1997, Indiana University and the Multi-Cultural Greek Council officially recognized Kappa Gamma Delta as the first Asian-interest Alpha chapter sorority in the Midwest.
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The KGD founders encountered a lot of criticism along the way of founding an Asian-interest sorority. Strangers and friends alike questioned, "Why are you going Greek?" while others said, "Why Asian-interest?" It was a challenge to what the founders were trying to achieve and could have meant the fallout of the sorority.
In addition, the ladies decided to found an alpha chapter because the experiences of Asians and Asian Americans in the Midwest are distinct from those living on the East and West Coasts.In starting Kappa Gamma Delta, the founders grew individually and together as a family. Through countless hours of talking, laughing, working together, and contributing to the IU and Asian American community, the women of Kappa Gamma Delta became strong women leaders and activists. Although the founders each came from different backgrounds and were each unique individuals, they shared a common bond. Their common bond was Kappa Gamma Delta, a sorority that draws on differences as strength.
Founders had to ask themselves why they were devoting so much time and energy to founding a sorority, and if it was worth it. Unanimously, they agreed that Greek life offered a stronger bond than any other organization. It was a lifetime commitment as well as a way to leave a mark on Indiana University. The sorority would be available for future generations. Then why not join an already established sorority? It turned out that the interests and goals of existing sororities did not fit with what the founders had in mind. There was a need for more resources for Asian Americans and Kappa Gamma Delta would be a strong source for building leaders and community activists.
And Onwards...
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Today, Kappa Gamma Delta remains a tremendous challenge, but offers immense rewards. With every Kappa Gamma Delta activity, history is being made. With every new pledge, the KGD family extends. With every new day, Kappa Gamma Delta grows stronger.
