Nu Kappa Epsilon is a music sorority which, according to its charter, was established to "promote the growth and development of musical activities and appreciation on campus and in the community where chapters have been formed and to develop in the members the best qualities of character through music." Founded in 1994 at the College of William & Mary, each NKE chapter supports its own music-related philanthropy.
History
Alpha chapter Nu Kappa Epsilon was founded on August 25, 1994 at the College of William & Mary. Although NKE is not a social sorority nor connected to any professional music organizations, it considers itself a sisterhood, providing a place for women with a love for music to connect. Each NKE chapter supports its own philanthropy and promotes the use of music to "improve and empower day-to-day life." The sorority flower is the white rose, and its colors are hunter green and burgundy. Founding Sisters of Nu Kappa Epsilon:
Sara Warrick Gamma chapter A Gamma chapter of Nu Kappa Epsilon was installed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech, on March 28, 2015. NKE Gamma sisters participate in a multitude of groups around campus, including Relay for Life, the New River Valley Symphony, varsity sports and many more. NKE Gamma chapter's main philanthropy is the Songs for Kids Foundation. Gamma chapter's Founding Sisters:
Rachel Orris
Maha Slamani
Corinne von Schmidt-Pauli
Blair Retnauer
Abigail Wright
Brianna Childress
Evie Gillis
Murphy Boales
Jessica Cotton
Caroline Moore
Claire Gagnon
Purpose
According to its charter, "Nu Kappa Epsilon was established to promote the growth and development of musical activities and appreciation on campus and in the community where chapters have been formed and to develop in the members the best qualities of character through music."
Philanthropy
Nu Kappa Epsilon aims to support the community through both music and time. This includes but is not limited to participating in Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, and ushering at musical performances. Every chapter of Nu Kappa Epsilon has the opportunity to choose their own philanthropy to support, as long as it is music-related. The various chapters currently raise funds and awareness for organizations which include, but are not limited to: the Out of the Darkness Walk, Guitars Not Guns, Relay for Life, Letters for Soldiers, and the Songs for Kids Foundation.
Expansion
Since its founding in 1994, NKE has established two subsequent chapters. The Vice President of Nu Kappa Epsilon's founding, Alpha chapter is responsible for the Nationals budget, which may be used for a NKE conference or for expansion activities. Female students with an interest in music at any accredited college or university are eligible to found a chapter of Nu Kappa Epsilon, in conjunction with Nationals at the College of William & Mary.
Nu Kappa Epsilon was founded in an attempt to garner attention from the International Music Fraternity for Women, Sigma Alpha Iota. However, upon being offered colony status by SAI, NKE officers made the decision that the transition would involve the loss of sisters who did not meet certain music class requirements of SAI. In an effort to maintain its founding purpose and inclusiveness, NKE chose to remain separate from SAI.
