Kappa Alpha Theta at DePauw University is the Alpha Chapter amongst Kappa Alpha Theta chapters. We were the first Theta Chapter and the first Greek letter fraternity known among women. Bettie Locke, Alice Allen, Hannah Fitch, and Bettie Tipton established our first female Greek-letter college fraternity- Kappa Alpha Theta, at Indiana Asbury University. The Fraternity fostered unity, promoted schol
astic achievement, and provided social outlet. The current house was built after 1940 when the prior chapter house on site was demolished. Indiana Asbury University, now DePauw University, was founded in 1837. Locke and Allen were two of the first women enrolled on a limited basis. Women were opposed and ostracized by many male students, faculty, citizens of the town, and students at a local female seminary. Based on the success of these early women, the university allowed women to take classes "on the same terms as" men by 1871. Today the Alpha Chapter continues the founder's legacy and over 130 chapters have been founded at colleges and universities across the country. With over 250,000 initiated members, Kappa Alpha Theta is known as a leading women’s group. Thetas are known for leading in our communities and on our campuses. Theta provides growth and opportunities for young women that promote academic excellence and the widest influence for good, namely CASA, Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, and the Friendship Fund. Each year members of Kappa Alpha Theta continue to live out our national tag line: Leading Women.
