September 20, 1917
Another most important affair in the fraternity life of the University of Arizona took place the week-end just previous to registration when Kappa Alpha Theta, a well known national fraternity, installed Beta Delta Chapter. Many alumnae as well as active members of the local, Gamma Phi Sigma returned early for this crowning event in their history. Mrs. Edgar M. Forde, grand vice-president of K. A. T., Mrs. Y. B. Huffman. grand treasurer, and Miss Hazel M. White, of the Los Angeles alumnae chapter came to install. They were assisted by Mrs. W. B. Galbraith, Miss Christine Golchrist, Miss Grace Hawkins, and Miss Zoe Schurz, the latter being a resident Theta.
Kappa Alpha Theta was organized in 1870 by five women at De Pauw University, and the present organization has active chapters in forty-one colleges, and alumnae chapters in thirty-three cities. The fraternity has wide interests and high ideals. A scholarship fund raised by voluntary subscription enabled eighteen young women to do advanced work in college last year. At present K. A. T. is doing its bit by furnishing complete uniforms for the nurses of a certain base hospital in France. At a cost of about $4,000. It is to this fraternity that the idea of a Greek organization for college women, similar to that for men, is given.
The new chapter, Beta delta, is the oldest local sorority at the University, Gamma Phi Sigma. It was organized in 1905 and has always stood for high ideals, and all that is best in University life.
The installation service covered four days, from the 13th to the 17th inclusive. During this time, the installing officers were honored guests at many delightful dinners, teas and breakfasts, which culminated on Monday evening with an elaborate reception at the home of Miss Edith McDermott to the faculty and other Greek organizations.
The young women initiated were Misses Mary Estill, Ruth Reed, Martha Casey, Hazel Whitney, Henrietta Rockfellow. Althea Selid, Dorothy Heighton, Dorothy Brannen, Dorothy Jackson. Blanche Smith, Helen Baillard, Mary McDermott, Duelle Hackett, Effie Davey, and also the alumnae including Misses Catherine Hoy of Bisbee, Julia Rockfellow of Cochise Stronghold, Nydia Acker and Esther Wright of Phoenix, and Jane Rider of Tucson.
