It's always a good day when we get to learn about an incredible sorority! Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University is just that - close-knit, service oriented, and fun! I got to talk with Nina Kutensky, a proud SK and VP of Member Development for NWMSU Panhellenic, about what makes her chapter so special.
Nina gave ALL the fun deets about the amazing group of girls that she gets to call sisters, so let's get into it!
It's always a good day when we get to learn about an incredible sorority! Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University is just that - close-knit, service oriented, and fun! I got to talk with Nina Kutensky, a proud Sig Kap and VP of Member Development for NWMSU Panhellenic, about what makes her chapter so special.
Nina gave ALL the fun deets about the amazing group of girls that she gets to call sisters, so let's get into it!
FOUNDED: NOVEMBER 9, 1874 - COLBY COLLEGE
FOUNDED AT NWMSU:KAPPA ALPHA CHAPTER, 1995
FLOWER:WILD PURPLE VIOLET
SYMBOLS:DOVE & HEART
COLORS:MAROON & LAVENDER
PHILANTHROPY:SIGMA KAPPA FOUNDATION, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH
MOTTO: "ONE HEART, ONE WAY"
JEWEL:PEARL
FOUNDED: NOVEMBER 9, 1874 - COLBY COLLEGE
FOUNDED AT NWMSU:KAPPA ALPHA CHAPTER, 1995
FLOWER:WILD PURPLE VIOLET
SYMBOLS:DOVE & HEART
COLORS:MAROON & LAVENDER
PHILANTHROPY:SIGMA KAPPA FOUNDATION, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH
MOTTO: "ONE HEART, ONE WAY"
JEWEL:PEARL
Sisters for life
To have a successful sorority, you have to have strong sisterhood bonds. It's what being a part of a sorority is all about! Nina talked about her favorite memories with her sisters, starting with a classic - Big Little! She met her big during Recruitment (cutest story about that further down) and the rest is history. I have to quote what she said about her amazing big, because it's simply too sweet not to share:
"From pushing me to come out of my shell, to seeing her as our chapter president, she’s the reason I am who I am today, and I am so grateful for her, and having her not only as a best friend but as my big."
So yeah, it's safe to assume that big/little was one of the happiest moments of her time in SK. She also loved getting to expand her fam by getting her own little, keeping the tradition of meeting your little during Recruitment going! She fought hard for her little, knowing immediately after hanging out with her that she was the next addition to their SK family. Having her little run home to her gave Nina the same joy as when she ran home to her big, adding even more love to the fam.
Other than big/little, there's still sisterhood events and functions to look forward to!! Nina talked about her fav recent events they've thrown, despite the ever frustrating COVID restrictions. Since she only attended one social before the world shut down in 2020, she was so excited to plan and throw their "informal" last Fall as the social chair. Everyone in the chapter dressed up for the rock and roll theme, danced with each other, and seemingly had the most fun! She can't wait to have spring formal this semester, watching her little take the reigns of social chair and an amazing event!
The last memorable event Nina talked about was their sisterhood retreat focused around self-defense training. They were taught by professionals about self-defense tactics, as well as activities and discussion of topics covering mental health, body positivity, and self-esteem. They got to pass around sheets of paper to write meaningful and genuine things about each sister, ending in papers filled with encouraging and supportive words. Now THAT'S a loving sisterhood!
To have a successful sorority, you have to have strong sisterhood bonds. It's what being a part of a sorority is all about! Nina talked about her favorite memories with her sisters, starting with a classic - Big Little! She met her big during Recruitment (cutest story about that further down) and the rest is history. I have to quote what she said about her amazing big, because it's simply too sweet not to share:
"From pushing me to come out of my shell, to seeing her as our chapter president, she’s the reason I am who I am today, and I am so grateful for her, and having her not only as a best friend but as my big."
So yeah, it's safe to assume that big/little was one of the happiest moments of her time in Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University. She also loved getting to expand her fam by getting her own little, keeping the tradition of meeting your little during Recruitment going! She fought hard for her little, knowing immediately after hanging out with her that she was the next addition to their SK family. Having her little run home to her gave Nina the same joy as when she ran home to her big, adding even more love to the fam.
Other than big/little, there's still sisterhood events and functions to look forward to!! Nina talked about her fav recent events they've thrown, despite the ever frustrating COVID restrictions. Since she only attended one social before the world shut down in 2020, she was so excited to plan and throw their "informal" last Fall as the social chair. Everyone in the chapter dressed up for the rock and roll theme, danced with each other, and seemingly had the most fun! She can't wait to have spring formal this semester, watching her little take the reigns of social chair and an amazing event!
The last memorable event Nina talked about was their sisterhood retreat focused around self-defense training. They were taught by professionals about self-defense tactics, as well as activities and discussion of topics covering mental health, body positivity, and self-esteem. They got to pass around sheets of paper to write meaningful and genuine things about each sister, ending in papers filled with encouraging and supportive words. Now THAT'S a loving sisterhood!
Accept and Love Everyone
Nina also went in depth about what makes her chapter so unique, and it was simply too beautiful to add it in any other section. Overall, she's proud of her chapter's transparency and consideration in multiple areas in each members' lives. In her own words,
"I feel like our chapter is very progressive and determined with our approaches and actions. I am so proud of our goals and work to create a more inclusive experience, whether it’s by making changes or improvements with recruitment, within our chapter polices, and other events to ensure we really are providing what we promote - to accept and love everyone."
Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University also strives to maintain this same environment even to their current members, rather than just emphasizing on those values solely for recruitment. Within meetings or events, they continue to push themselves to educate one another and address important topics such as mental health and body positivity. Topics like these are so prevalent in a college girl's world and deserve to be spoken about candidly. They also focus on using language that provides a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for all their members. Together, they have taken a huge initiative to make their words align with their actions, an impressive step that has become what Sig Kap is known for on campus.
Nina also went in depth about what makes her chapter so unique, and it was simply too beautiful to add it in any other section. Overall, she's proud of her chapter's transparency and consideration in multiple areas in each members' lives. In her own words,
"I feel like our chapter is very progressive and determined with our approaches and actions. I am so proud of our goals and work to create a more inclusive experience, whether it’s by making changes or improvements with recruitment, within our chapter polices, and other events to ensure we really are providing what we promote - to accept and love everyone."
Sigma Kappa also strives to maintain this same environment even to their current members, rather than just emphasizing on those values solely for recruitment. Within meetings or events, they continue to push themselves to educate one another and address important topics such as mental health and body positivity. Topics like these are so prevalent in a college girl's world and deserve to be spoken about candidly. They also focus on using language that provides a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for all their members. Together, they have taken a huge initiative to make their words align with their actions, an impressive step that has become what Sig Kap is known for on campus.
Sig Kap Serves
Other than throwing amazing events and having the closest bonds with each other, the Kappa Alpha chapter knows how to serve - WELL. They throw a ton of events and fundraisers throughout the year for their multiple philanthropies. How they do all this, plus their other sisterhoods, PLUS school I'll never know.
Their biggest event (prior to COVID) was for the Sigma Kappa Foundation - Sig Kap n' Cheese! People can swing by, pay $5, and get unlimited mac and cheese and grilled cheeses! I'll never say no to unlimited cheese. Since the pandemic, they've continued their support for the ultraviolet campaign by selling raffle tickets for gift baskets or stickers. They also got to throw Sigma Kappa's Backyard Bash this past fall, an outdoor event filled with games, music, and raffle prizes!!
Their other large fundraising event benefits the Alzheimer's Association, raising money by attending the Alzheimer's Walk. In years past, they walked in the large KCMO walk, but have altered it since COVID with smaller walks as a chapter around town.
You'd think 2 philanthropies would be enough for most sororities, but not Sigma Kappa!! These ladies also throw an Earth Day Celebration for "Inherit the Earth," an all-day event where they pick up trash in thr Maryville area. They also do clean up their stretch of adopted highway when it's warmer, making a competition out of who can pick up the most trash. To keep the green earth energy going, they also have activities in their chapter meetings to help reduce their waste - like making reusable tote bags or eco-bricks.
They also visit and socialize at the local retirement home (pre-COVID) for their Gerontology philanthropy, as well as sending them Valentine's cards and other letters. For their final philanthropy, Maine Sea Coast Mission, the chapter makes fleece blankets and care packages to send to the non-profit. They plan, however, to do a lot more for the organization in the Fall.
I don't know about you, but that is an INSANE amount of philanthropy events and activities. Huge props to these women to give back to both their national organization and local community - stay killing it!
Other than throwing amazing events and having the closest bonds with each other, the Kappa Alpha chapter knows how to serve - WELL. They throw a ton of events and fundraisers throughout the year for their multiple philanthropies. How they do all this, plus their other sisterhoods, PLUS school I'll never know.
Their biggest event (prior to COVID) was for the Sigma Kappa Foundation - Sig Kap n' Cheese! People can swing by, pay $5, and get unlimited mac and cheese and grilled cheeses! I'll never say no to unlimited cheese. Since the pandemic, they've continued their support for the ultraviolet campaign by selling raffle tickets for gift baskets or stickers. They also got to throw Sigma Kappa's Backyard Bash this past fall, an outdoor event filled with games, music, and raffle prizes!!
Their other large fundraising event benefits the Alzheimer's Association, raising money by attending the Alzheimer's Walk. In years past, they walked in the large KCMO walk, but have altered it since COVID with smaller walks as a chapter around town.
You'd think 2 philanthropies would be enough for most sororities, but not Sigma Kappaat Northwest Missouri State University!! These ladies also throw an Earth Day Celebration for "Inherit the Earth," an all-day event where they pick up trash in thr Maryville area. They also do clean up their stretch of adopted highway when it's warmer, making a competition out of who can pick up the most trash. To keep the green earth energy going, they also have activities in their chapter meetings to help reduce their waste - like making reusable tote bags or eco-bricks.
They also visit and socialize at the local retirement home (pre-COVID) for their Gerontology philanthropy, as well as sending them Valentine's cards and other letters. For their final philanthropy, Maine Sea Coast Mission, the chapter makes fleece blankets and care packages to send to the non-profit. They plan, however, to do a lot more for the organization in the Fall.
I don't know about you, but that is an INSANE amount of philanthropy events and activities. Huge props to these women to give back to both their national organization and local community - stay killing it!
Looking Ahead
Recruitment season = best season. There's just no denying it, and this fact stays true at the Kappa Alpha chapter. Nina talked about her Recruitment experience from both sides, and what advice she has for girls thinking about going through rush in the Fall.
Nina talked about her personal experience going through Recruitment, and how she immediately knew Sigma Kappa was for her. She already liked the chapter from the beginning but once she talked to a girl (her now big) during a round, it became very clear that SK was her home away from home. They cried together during that Recruitment and cried together at their last (this past Spring,) putting the perfect bookend on their time in Sigma Kappa together. Cue the sappy music - that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard <333
Nina then gave some AMAZING advice for girls going through Recruitment this year. It can be a really scary time leaving home and being surrounded by new people, but a sorority can truly act as a home away from home. If you're on the fence about going through rush - just go for it! You'll never know the amazing friendships, opportunities, and memories you'll miss out on if you don't. Nina talked about how she almost didn't rush, not seeing herself as a "stereotypical sorority girl." She's obviously so glad she did, thanking Sig Kap for allowing her to step up in leadership positions and discover friendships that she'll cherish forever.
Once you're in the Recruitment process, listen to your heart! At the end of the day, you're choosing where you want to end up - not where your family, friends, or other PNMs want you to go. You want to join a group where you can truly be yourself, not worrying about trying to fit in. Nina also gave some GREAT advice about what to do if you have a friend going through the process with you. Her tips - don't just join a sorority because that's what your friend wants! Go where you truly belong and then you will get to meet new girls from your friend's chapter, an opportunity you might not have had otherwise!
Basically, do you. Being in a sorority is such a unique four year experience that leads to a lifetime of memories and relationships. Nina truly showed how special her chapter is, making us all want to be a part of Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University. Nina, thank you for sharing a small piece of your sisterhood with us!!
Recruitment season = best season. There's just no denying it, and this fact stays true at the Kappa Alpha chapter. Nina talked about her Recruitment experience from both sides, and what advice she has for girls thinking about going through rush in the Fall.
Nina talked about her personal experience going through Recruitment, and how she immediately knew Sigma Kappa was for her. She already liked the chapter from the beginning but once she talked to a girl (her now big) during a round, it became very clear that SK was her home away from home. They cried together during that Recruitment and cried together at their last (this past Spring,) putting the perfect bookend on their time in Sigma Kappa together. Cue the sappy music - that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard <333
Nina then gave some AMAZING advice for girls going through Recruitment this year. It can be a really scary time leaving home and being surrounded by new people, but a sorority can truly act as a home away from home. If you're on the fence about going through rush - just go for it! You'll never know the amazing friendships, opportunities, and memories you'll miss out on if you don't. Nina talked about how she almost didn't rush, not seeing herself as a "stereotypical sorority girl." She's obviously so glad she did, thanking Sig Kap for allowing her to step up in leadership positions and discover friendships that she'll cherish forever.
Once you're in the Recruitment process, listen to your heart! At the end of the day, you're choosing where you want to end up - not where your family, friends, or other PNMs want you to go. You want to join a group where you can truly be yourself, not worrying about trying to fit in. Nina also gave some GREAT advice about what to do if you have a friend going through the process with you. Her tips - don't just join a sorority because that's what your friend wants! Go where you truly belong and then you will get to meet new girls from your friend's chapter, an opportunity you might not have had otherwise!
Basically, do you. Being in a sorority is such a unique four year experience that leads to a lifetime of memories and relationships. Nina truly showed how special her chapter is, making us all want to be a part of Sigma Kappa at Northwest Missouri State University. Nina, thank you for sharing a small piece of your sisterhood with us!!
ALSO ... CHECK OUT THEIR INSTA!!