Kappa Kappa Gamma at UCLA: History, Philanthropy, and Sisterhood

Since 1923, fraternities and sororities have been a key part of campus life at UCLA. Today, there are around 60 Greek-letter organizations, both local and national, spread across six governing councils. With about 3,500 students involved, Greek life represents 13% of UCLA’s undergrad community. Among these vibrant organizations, Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) stands out with its rich history and commitment to philanthropy. This article explores the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at UCLA, highlighting its history, philanthropic endeavors, and the unique experiences it offers its members.

A Legacy of Sisterhood at UCLA

The UCLA Panhellenic Association is the largest women’s group on campus, overseeing 10 National Panhellenic Conference sororities plus one associate member sorority. As one of the UCLA sororities, Kappa Kappa Gamma has a long-standing tradition of fostering sisterhood, leadership, and academic excellence. KKG provides a supportive environment where women can grow personally and professionally, build lasting friendships, and make a positive impact on the community. The Panhellenic community aims to create unforgettable memories and friendships. With events like formals, mixers, and sisterhood retreats, you’ll have plenty of chances to bond with others and truly enjoy your college experience. Some sororities even offer housing.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation supports members with scholarships, financial aid, member education, and programs celebrating Kappa’s history and values. Each year, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation helps hundreds of women achieve their academic goals, awarding over $800,000 in scholarships. Once you submit Theta Foundation’s application, you’ll be automatically considered for any of the 100+ scholarships you’re eligible for. If you choose the “Need-based” application option, you’ll be reviewed for both need- and merit-based scholarships as long as your application is complete.

Philanthropic Initiatives

Philanthropy is a big part of Panhellenic life. Each chapter partners with specific charities and participates in community service projects, encouraging everyone to give back and make a positive difference. Beyond fostering sisterhood, Kappa Kappa Gamma is deeply committed to philanthropy. The sorority actively participates in various charitable activities, contributing to both local and national causes.

A Day in the Life

A big highlight of Kappa Kappa Gamma as one of the UCLA sororities is the annual philanthropy event, A Day in the Life. Each year, elementary school kids are welcomed to campus for a fun, hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a Bruin.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being

Members of Epsilon Mu Chapter, Clemson, are supporting Kappa’s new philanthropic purpose focused on mental health and well-being. As a sisterhood organization, we know the importance of asking for help is just as vital as offering it when you can.

The Broader Greek Life at UCLA

The UCLA Panhellenic Association offers much more than just membership in UCLA sororities. The UCLA Panhellenic community consists of 10 member chapters and one associate member chapter, each with its own unique vibe and a diverse group of accomplished women. Take note this is not a form of UCLA sorority rankings.

Other Sororities at UCLA

Through a range of philanthropic and social events, Alpha Chi Omega is one of the UCLA sororities that encourages members to embrace core values like leadership, empathy, and ambition while always aiming for excellence. Philanthropy is truly at the heart of Alpha Chi Omega, with Domestic Violence Awareness as a key focus.
Alpha Delta Pi, originally called the Adelphean Society, made history as the first secret society for women, founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Georgia, and opening doors for women in the fraternity system. Alpha Delta Pi’s international philanthropy is the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides housing for families while their children receive hospital care. Through this partnership, ADPi chapters have raised over $15 million. The annual Lion’s Cup is a fun way to support RMH. It brings together Greek Life for a soccer tournament, where ADPis can also be team captains and referees.
Alpha Phi at UCLA brings together an inspiring group of women who build successful futures through volunteering, social activities, and academic excellence. From cheering for the Bruins and rowing with the UCLA Crew Team to competing on the tennis courts and soccer field, Alpha Phis are active in sports and student life. The Alpha Phi Foundation, supported by generous alumnae and donors, is dedicated to advancing women’s heart health through research and education. Their annual Heart to Heart Grant awards $100,000 to medical professionals working to understand and improve heart disease treatment and prevention in women.
Chi Omega, founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, is the largest women’s fraternal organization worldwide, with over 414,000 members, 181 collegiate chapters, and 248 alumnae chapters. Since its founding, Chi Omega has dedicated itself to serving others. In the late 1990s, the organization’s leadership sought a national philanthropic partner, which led to the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish alliance in 2002.
Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 by Anna Boyd Ellington, Eva Webb Dodd, and Mary Comfort Leonard at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi, near the University of Mississippi. One of the unique aspects of our chapter is that Delta Gamma founded Blind Children’s Center (BCC) in Los Angeles as the main local beneficiary. Being nearby allows members to regularly visit the school, join fundraisers, spend time with the kids during recess, and even decorate holiday cards for visually impaired children.
Gamma Phi Beta at UCLA is part of a nationwide sisterhood that’s been going strong for over 140 years. Their philanthropy, Girls on the Run, is a nonprofit that pairs Gamma Phi Beta members with pre-teen girls in the greater Los Angeles area to train together for a 5k run.
Kappa Delta Sorority was founded in 1897 at what’s now Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, by four young women who dreamed of creating a lasting sisterhood. In 1998, Kappa Delta partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA as a national philanthropy, empowering members to positively impact over 14,000 girls each year. The Kappa Delta Foundation also supports the Girl Scout Gold Award program with annual scholarships for Gold Award recipients, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Since 1981, Kappa Delta has been committed to Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization started by Kappa Delta sister Donna Stone.
Champions are Readers® (CAR) is Pi Beta Phi’s unique reading program designed for kids from pre-K through third grade. and Canada, connecting Pi Phis with young readers in their communities. Moreover, Local Impact Grants help Pi Beta Phi chapters expand their literacy outreach and support local reading programs and book access for kids. Chapters and alumnae clubs raise funds for The Literacy Fund at the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, allowing them to nominate a local literacy nonprofit to receive a grant.
Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority specifically for women in engineering and hard sciences. As an associate member chapter, Phi Sigma Rho participates in many of the same activities as other chapters but has a unique major requirement for joining.

Other Sorority Councils at UCLA

The UCLA Panhellenic Association is not the only sorority council available on the campus.

Chi Alpha Delta, founded in 1929, is the first Asian-interest sorority in the nation. Over the years, Chi Alpha Delta has welcomed women of all Asian backgrounds, ensuring its original mission lives on through each new generation.
Theta Kappa Phi, founded on June 4, 1959, holds the title of UCLA’s first official Asian-American sorority. Truly, it is one of the most groundbreaking UCLA sororities because of what it stood and continues to stand for. Now celebrating over 60 years of sisterhood, Thetas continue to build on these core values, inspired by their motto, “Quod semper, et ubique, et ob omnibus” (“At all times, everywhere, and by all”).
Virgin Islands, and the UAE. On the West Coast, the Sigma Sigma Chapter is one of the UCLA sororities that is a proud provider of scholarship and community service. It hosts events like the Our Author’s Study Club Oratorical Contest, National Youth Symposium, Soles for Little Souls Shoe Drive, and Operation Big Book Bag.

Considerations Before Pledging

While UCLA sororities can offer lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a strong support network, there can also be downsides worth considering. Before pledging, it’s essential to look out for potential red flags that could indicate whether a sorority’s environment aligns with your values and goals.

If a sorority heavily emphasizes looks, appearances, or social media image over personal character, it could be a sign of a more superficial culture.
Greek life comes with dues, but if a sorority expects large, frequent expenses beyond the standard dues (like costly events, trips, or exclusive clothing), this could signal financial stress ahead. Make sure to ask about expected costs upfront and decide if you’re comfortable with those commitments. During the first quarter, new member dues typically range from approximately $1,269 to $2,366.16. These fees cover initiation and other initial expenses. After the initial quarter active member dues generally range from about $823.33 to $1,382.67 per quarter.
A sorority with a reputation for cliques, drama, or exclusion could be a sign of deeper issues within the chapter.

Additional Facts about UCLA Sororities

Yes, UCLA hosts several sororities that are not part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). These include organizations under different councils, such as the Asian Greek Council, Latinx Greek Council, Multi-Interest Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
The Panhellenic Association, the largest women’s organization on campus, governs 10 National Panhellenic Conference sororities and one associate member sorority.
Yes, UCLA sororities have houses sprawled across the campus. Many of the university’s sororities maintain private housing adjacent to campus, with an average capacity of 50 students per house. While sororities offer extensive networking and personal growth opportunities, it’s essential to recognize the financial commitment.

The Value of Greek Life

More than academics and career benefits, Greek life offers a tight-knit community. It makes a large campus feel more personal and welcoming. Research indicates that sorority membership is associated with higher graduation rates than non-members. A study by the National Panhellenic Conference found that sorority members had a six-year graduation rate of 84%, surpassing the 71% rate of non-members.

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Recent Updates and Conduct Standards

UCLA’s Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life released its community report Sept. The report contains statistics such as each chapter’s grade point average, community service hours and conduct violations for the 2024-25 academic year. UCLA suspended the campus’s chapter of Kappa Sigma through May 2030 for violating policies related to hazing, alcohol and safety. Kappa Sigma was initially placed under an interim suspension Dec. 8, 2023, Goldstein said in an Aug. The chapter has exhausted the highest level of the formal appeal process under the Student Group Conduct Code, the spokesperson said in the statement. - both of the Latinx Greek Council - are on probation through Oct. 18, 2025 and Sept. 5, 2030, respectively, according to the report. Lambda Chi Alpha of the Interfraternity Council is also on probation through Sept. The Student Group Conduct Code defines probation as the suspension of a chapter’s privileges, or a defined period during which a student group can rehabilitate its standing and participate in educational programs relevant to its case. “As of February 4th, 2025, all required steps have been fully and promptly completed in accordance with OFSL guidelines, and no active sanctions remain in place,” he said in the statement. As a new member of Sigma Chi, John Scott - a second-year business economics student - said his chapter holds workshops multiple times a week to ensure each person understands conduct standards. placed first in the Latinx Greek Council with a 3.45. Shawn Jahangiri, an executive board member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said the fraternity’s success in the community report is a reflection of the chapter’s strong core values in academics. “It’s reaffirming to know that we have strong members and strong core values throughout our organization,” he said. Yunese Amatya, a third-year economics and political science student, said she chose not to become involved in Greek life because of the time commitment. “I don’t think being a part of a frat or sorority necessarily means anything to how academically inclined you are,” Amatya said. The report also includes the amount of money chapters have raised through philanthropy in the 2024-25 academic year. Last year, Sigma Phi Epsilon held a concert to raise money for the Los Angeles fires, Jahangiri said. He added that the chapter collectively shaved their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer through the St.

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