The Hawaii Alumnae Association
Brief History
This energetic alumnae group obtained its charter from The Fraternity in 1924. The group was formed on the Punahou campus when Mrs. Arthur Griffiths, wife of the school's president at the time, was residing there. The first meeting took place in Helen's home. Dues were only one dollar in those days, and in an old yellowed ledger found in the archives, 15 members were listed. These very active Kappas earned as much as $1150 to $2000 from rummage sales--quite a sum to raise, even today!
During the 1940's, the Kappas manned the Women's Service Lounge in downtown Honolulu, providing a refreshing, relaxing place for service women to rest a moment and refresh. And what a business they did in the message service! Requests ranged all the way from a copy of Forever Amber to questions about the best place for a honeymoon.
After World War II, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher WWI project was reopened by Kappa. Dorothy Canfield Fisher was an educational reformer, social activist, and American author who worked with blinded soldiers in France in WWI. She also established a convalescent home for refugee French children from invaded areas. Also during this time, the Hawaii Kappas sponsored a child in France.
The 1950's were prosperous years and many new members came to the group. Rehabilitation became Kappa's national philanthropy and Hawaii Kappas had quite a project with the Maluhia Hospital. They also placed an annual entry in the Queen's Hospital Festival of Trees at Christmas time.
Today the Hawaii Kappas consist of women of all ages from across the country. We are currently ~50 active members strong and growing!
Awards and Achievements
The Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Award
The Hawaii Kappas were the recipients of this award at the 67th Biennial Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention in 2008, among associations with 100 or fewer members. This award goes to chapters and assocations that effectively implement programming that enhances individual competencies, promotes life skills and best utilizes available resources.
The Communications/PR Award
At the 68th Biennial Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention in 2010, Hawaii received an Honorable Mention for the Communiations/PR Award among associations with 100 or fewer members. This award recognizes strong communication with our members through newsletters, website, electronic media, and positive PR within the community.