Symbols of Kappa Kappa Gamma

Key

The golden key is Kappa's primary symbol. The golden key unlocks the gate to sisterhood and support.

Owl

The owl is also one of Kappa's symbols. The owl is the bird of wisdom, as well as the bird of Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom.

Blue & Blue

Kappa's colors are two shades of blue; one for the sky and one for the sea. These colors were adopted only two years after the founding of the Fraternity.

Fleur-de-lis

Kappa's flower is the fleur-de-lis. It was chosen because of its dignity, stateliness, and grace.

Iris

The fleur-de-lis is not found in nature, so the iris is given to sisters instead. Its blue hues are also appropriate!

Sapphire

The sapphire is Kappa's jewel. The sapphire is recognized as a symbol of truth, sincerity and constancy. It is also the gem of autumn, the time at which Kappa was founded. The blue hue is also believed to embody the heavenly spirits of light and wisdom.

Kappa's Preamble

We, believing a closer union in the bonds of friendship to be for our mutual benefit, appreciating the advantages to be derived from a secret fraternity, and feeling that in union there is strength, hereby form ourselves into an association for the development of nobler qualities of the mind and finer feelings of the heart, and for mutual helpfulness in the attainment of individual and social excellence.

Kappa Firsts

Kappa is proud to boast many "firsts" throughout history. Here are a few of our achievements.

First women's fraternity to utilize a Grand Council form of government, rather than a Grand Chapter form (1981)
First women's fraternity to publish a magazine (The Key, in 1882)
First fraternity to extend invitations to attend a Panhellenic convention (1891)
First women's fraternity to establish a Central Office (1922)
First women's fraternity to establish a permanent Fraternity Headquarters (1952)
First fraternity to set up a career-networking program (1976)
First women’s fraternity to set up Service Women’s Centers during World War II (1942)
First women's fraternity to incorporate a Heritage Museum (1980)

Famous Kappas

Katherine Brosnahan Spade - Fashion Designer; co-founder of "Kate Spade brands"
Betty Robinson Schwartz - Olympic gold medalist, 1928; member of the Track & Field Hall of Fame
Ashley Judd - Actress; credits include A Time to Kill, 1996, Kiss the Girls, 1997, and Double Jeopardy, 1999
Doris Hart - Third Kappa to win U.S. Women's Open Championship Tennis
Mareta West - First woman astrogeologist; determined the crucial site for the first landing on the moon.
Jann Carl Sears - Anchor for Entertainment Tonight
Jane Swift - First woman governor of Massachusetts