What began with just 15 pioneering charter members at the University of Arkansas on April 9, 1925, has grown into a vibrant community of nearly 600 active members and more than 4,000 alumnae. The Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma celebrated its centennial milestone this year, honoring a century of leadership, philanthropy and sisterhood that continues to enrich the campus and community.
One of Kappa’s values is trailblazing. Gamma Nu, the largest chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma nationwide, has embraced that forward-thinking spirit throughout its 100 years at the University of Arkansas. From its earliest days, members have been known for campus engagement beyond what is expected. During World War II, they organized defense stamp drives. In the 1944–45 school year, during the sixth of what was known as the “War Loan Drives,” the chapter raised $7,804 — three times the campus quota and the current equivalent of nearly $140,000.
Kappa’s centennial brought generations of Gamma Nu women back to Fayetteville and national fraternity leaders for a celebration weekend in early October. Events began with lunch at the house, followed by a welcome reception and pledge class reunions across the city. Visitors toured the chapter house, explored the campus and visited regional landmarks such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The celebration concluded with a dinner at the Fayetteville Town Center attended by more than 700 members, with the banquet program live-streamed to hundreds more students at the chapter house.
As the chapter begins its second century, its mission remains to foster sisterhood, encourage personal growth, and inspire positive change. In the words of life member Elizabeth Lilly McLaughlin B.A.’96, a former Gamma Nu president and current member of the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors, “Sisterhood in Kappa is more than friendship — it’s a commitment to lifting each other up and serving something bigger than ourselves. That spirit of service has kept us connected to the university and excited to return for the centennial.”
*This post is condensed from a longer article by Macey Wyler published in the fall 2025 issue of Arkansas Magazine. Wyler is an honors student at the University of Arkansas, pursuing a dual degree in political science and journalism.
