Photo Journey: Kappa Epsilon Lambda History
Photos and factoids from the School’s professional pharmacy sorority
Story by Ryan McDaniel | Photos courtesy of Kappa Epsilon Lambda | Published February 14, 2023
Kappa Epsilon is a national sorority established in 1921 to unite women pharmacy students across the United States. On January 12, 1940 the Lambda chapter of Kappa Epsilon was established at the UNC School of Pharmacy. Now in its 83rd year, we look back at the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter’s history.
First Print Appearance
The first appearance in print of photos of the members of Kappa Epsilon comes from the 1943 Yakety Yack. Interestingly, this is three years after the chapter was granted.
Of note in this picture: 1) The Yackety Yack editors have published the wrong year of the chapter's establishment - 1941 instead of 1940, 2) Alice Noble, the School's librarian and historian, is the chapter's advisor, and 3) Doris Bullard Hawkins is pictured here, top left. Ms. Hawkins became Dr. Hawkins in 1951, becoming the first woman to earn a PhD from the UNC School of Pharmacy.
1962-63 Sisters
Composite of headshots of the 1962-63 chapter members, from the 1963 Yackety Yack.
1972-73 Sisters
Photo from the 1973 Yackety Yack, 50 years ago. It's interesting to see how much the sorority grew over the decades.
Ronald McDonald & SECU Family Houses
Kappa Epsilon sisters also volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and the SECU Family House in Chapel Hill. Both houses provide housing, meals, and support for families as they or their children undergo medical treatment at nearby UNC Hospital. This picture, from December 2010, shows Kappa Epsilon sisters helping prepare meals for residents at the Ronald McDonald House.
Annual Red Dress Cocktail at Top of the Hill
Another philanthropic cause Kappa Epsilon supports is research and prevention of heart disease, the number one killer of women in the USA. At the annual event, sisters walk as models in a fashion show with clothes donated from local boutiques. Proceeds for the event go to the American Hearth Association. Photo from the January 2020 event.
2020 Caring Community 4K Run/Walk
Every spring, Kappa Epsilon has hosted the Caring Community 4K Run/Walk. The walk benefits the Caring Community Foundation, a local charity that financially supports cancer patients and their families in the Triangle area by providing assistance with rent, utilities, treatment or other expenses that become difficult to manage during cancer treatment. The 2020 event happened in March - just before the world shut down with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spring 2022 Retreat
The Kappa Psi regional retreat was held at the Bernard J Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University in spring of 2022.
"Almost" Escaping
Kappa Epsilon also holds social events. This shot is from the last social event of the 2021-22 school year. Sisters went to Tar Heel Escapes on Franklin Street to try their hand at an escape room. They did not quite make it out in time - hence "almost" escaping.
Camp Blue Sky
Kappa Epsilon sisters pill packing for Camp Blue Skies, an organization which aims to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.
Induction Night, 2022
Photos from the Asheville and Chapel Hill campuses on Induction Night, 2022. Welcome to the newest Kappa Epsilon sisters!
Thank You for Reading
Thank you for joining us on this photo journey through Kappa Epsilon's history. To learn more about Kappa Epsilon, see their page on the School's website or visit their Instagram page. We look forward to bringing you more content on this and other sororities and fraternities at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.