Kappa Epsilon

Kappa Epsilon is a Professional Pharmacy Fraternity grounded on the principles of advancing the pharmacy profession and building lasting bonds between its members. Kappa Epsilon is open to both men and women that are either pre-pharmacy or in the pharmacy program.

Mission Statement

The mission of Kappa Epsilon is to empower its members to achieve personal and professional fulfillment by developing their confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and leadership vision; and represent the interests of the membership to health-care professionals and the community-at-large.

Founding Purposes

1. to unite women students in pharmacy
2. to cooperate with the faculties of the colleges where chapters are established
3. to stimulate in its members a desire for high scholarship
4. to foster a professional consciousness
5. to provide a bond of lasting loyalty, interest, and friendship

Fun Facts!

KE Flower: Red Rose

KE Jewel: Pearl

KE Colors: Red and White

KE’s Latin Motto: Cogito Ergo Sum (I think, therefore I am)

KE’s Founder: Zada M. Cooper, University of Iowa, May 1921

Chapter History

Kappa Epsilon Chi Chapter at South Dakota State University began when the Galen Society was organized in February 1955.  It became a part of Kappa Epsilon on March 24, 1956 after the girls of the Galen Society met with North Dakota’s Iota Chapter of Kappa Epsilon.  Twenty-one members and one advisor, Mrs. G.C. Gross, were initiated into the fraternity.

Over the years, Chi Chapter has been active on campus and within the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.  The chapter hosted its first Christmas Party in 1956 and organized the first All-Pharmacy Christmas Party in 1972.  Until 1986, the holiday party was known for skits, a KE honey contest (including a swimsuit competition), and faculty, including Dr. Houglum, Dr. Helgeland, Dr. Billow, and Mr. Van Riper, receiving a pie in the face.  The pie in the face tradition was revived in 2008 when Dr. Helgeland got a pie in the face after his presentation on the history of the All-Pharmacy Christmas Party.  Another tradition many remember from the Christmas Party is Dr. Houglum’s reading of “The Night Before the Biochem Final.”  The holiday party is still a strong tradition within the College of Pharmacy and with Chi members.

Chi Chapter has been supporting KE’s national project of breast cancer awareness for many years.  Traditional events and activities including participating in the SDSU Wellness Fair, collecting Yoplait yogurt lids, and distributing pink ribbons.  The newest additions to Chi Chapter’s support of breast cancer awareness are the breast cancer baskets for local chemotherapy patients, the Black and Pink Party, and Relay for Life.

Chi Chapter has received several recognitions from the national fraternity over the years.  Chi Chapter was recognized as the Outstanding Collegiate KE Chapter in 2002-2003.  Chi Chapter’s long time advisor, Dr. Joye Billow, has received numerous recognitions over her time as advisor including the Outstanding Advisor Award, the Unicorn Award, and the Career Achievement Award.  Many KE members have been recipients of the Zada M. Cooper Scholarship, and three Chi alums have received the Nellie Wakeman Graduate Fellowship.