After years of community service and discovering the bonds thatcome with close friendships, a Ball State sorority is celebratingits 50th anniversary.
Sigma Kappa sorority began at Ball State on March 20, 1954, andhas remained strong throughout its time here.
"This is a true testament that fraternities and sororities canstand the test of time," Lynda Malugen, director of studentorganizations and activities, said.
During the late 1950s and into the 1960s, many of Ball State'ssororities started to appear because the small amount of womenattending college sought a way to find a support network. BallState was expanding and students looked for organizations to becomeinvolved in, Malugen said.
Phi Beta Pi and Chi Omega sororities also began during this timeand recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Malugen said a lot of women were not going to college, leaving asmall amount on campus seeking this support.
Malugen said the need to belong to an organization has notchanged, but more women are now attending universities.
As the number women on campus has increased, so has the numberof alumni support, which Malugen said has helped Sigma Kappa becomea strong chapter at Ball State.
Sigma Kappa has about 40 members, which is below the average ofother sororities who have approximately 80. Junior Kate Devereuxsaid this has not hurt them, though. It has made them stronger.
Devereux, who serves as the vice president of membership, saidshe has the ability to know her sisters better with the smalleramount.
"I can tell you the hometown and majors of all of my sisters,"Devereux said. "I know their favorite colors and what they like todo for fun."
Alumnus Jessica Wright said Sigma Kappa survives because of itsdiversity. Wright believes its the women who make up the sororitythat have kept it going.
Sigma Kappa President Laura Dragoo said Sigma Kappa's membersall come from different backgrounds and have different majors.
Sigma Kappa originated at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.Only five women were enrolled in the college and together theyformed Sigma Kappa.
Because Sigma Kappa was formed in Maine, members of Ball State'schapter have continued contributing to people living in thatarea.
Dragoo said the women donate supplies to the Maine Sea CoastMissionary Society.
The mission helps people living on the Maine coast who are inneed.
Dragoo said an island just off the Maine coast freezes everyyear, so most of the supplies are sent to them.
Members of Sigma Kappa have also donated their time and effortsto raising money for Alzheimer's and gerontology research.
Devereux said members will celebrate tonight and again in thefall when alumni can join them.
Dragoo said 50th anniversary pins will be given to the BallState Sigma Kappa's who have been members since the first year itcame to the university.
"It's pretty exciting to think we've been around for 50 yearsand that we'll be around for another 50," Wright said.
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