University of Kansas

Kansas Alpha

Know someone who would feel at home in this chapter? Let us know by submitting a Recruitment Information Form (RIF)!

Submit a RIF
Six members wearing white and holding wine carnations

Our Roots

Kansas Alpha, first known as Kappa of I.C. Sorosis, was installed in 1873 after Illinois Beta Sara Richardson influenced the decision to establish a chapter where her three sisters, who later became charter members, attended school. The beloved tradition of the Cookie Shine also originated at the first party hosted by Kansas Alpha.

Supporting Sisters’ Dreams

Chapter-specific scholarship funds support collegiate chapter members as they pursue their academic dreams and professional goals. By giving to a scholarship fund, donors can directly impact their own chapter sisters and open doors that might not have been possible otherwise.

Building Leaders Who Shine

Chapter Leadership Education Expendable (CLEE) funds directly empower our sisters’ leadership journeys, helping eliminate financial barriers to leadership development opportunities for both chapter leaders and individual members. Giving to a CLEE fund allows donors to support the chapters they love while lighting the way for future leaders.

Notable Chapter Alumnae

Jenette “Nettie” Bolles

Physician

Jenette “Nettie” Bolles

Physician

Jenette “Nettie” Bolles was a physician who helped open the field of osteopathic medicine to women. As the first woman to study and practice osteopathy, she built a successful career in Colorado at a time when few women entered the profession. Nettie specialized in diseases of the urinary system, bladder and kidneys.

In addition to her medical practice, she was the first editor and publisher of the “Journal of Osteopathy,” helping advance knowledge and communication within the field. She was also a member of the national, state and local osteopathic associations and became the founding president of the American Colleges of Osteopathy in 1898. Nettie received the American Osteopathic Association Distinguished Service Certificate in 1925 for her pioneering role in creating opportunities for women in osteopathic medicine.

Nettie was initiated in 1883.

Historical sepia-toned headshot of Iris Calderhead with braids in her hair in front of a black background

Iris Calderhead

Suffragist and Women’s Rights Activist 

Historical sepia-toned headshot of Iris Calderhead with braids in her hair in front of a black background

Iris Calderhead

Suffragist and Women’s Rights Activist 

Iris Calderhead was an active leader in the National Woman’s Party and worked alongside some of the United States’ most influential suffragists during the final push for a federal women’s suffrage amendment. She traveled across the country to organize, speak and build support for the women’s suffrage movement. Beginning in 1917, she was among the “Silent Sentinels”—the women who picketed outside the White House to pressure President Woodrow Wilson into supporting women’s suffrage. Iris was arrested and imprisoned for her participation, enduring harsh treatment alongside fellow activists in a way that generated significant public sympathy for the cause.

Her courage and perseverance were part of a broader movement that culminated in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, securing voting rights for millions of American women. Iris continued her advocacy in the 1930s, serving as Director of the National Woman’s Party’s campaign to pressure the newly created World Court to protect the rights of women internationally. In 1932, she addressed the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the issue. Iris is recognized by historians as a dedicated participant in one of the most significant expansions of democratic rights in American history.

Iris was initiated in 1907.

Historical black and white headshot of Leona Baumgartner wearing a dark blazer and pearl necklace in front of a dark background

Dr. Leona Baumgartner

Physician

Historical black and white headshot of Leona Baumgartner wearing a dark blazer and pearl necklace in front of a dark background

Dr. Leona Baumgartner

Physician

Dr. Leona Baumgartner was an American physician and public health leader who became one of the most influential women in medicine during the 20th century. Dedicating her career to improving maternal and child health, her research on infant and maternal mortality, infectious diseases and preventive healthcare helped shape public health policy and expand access to medical services for underserved populations. In 1954, she made history as the first woman appointed Commissioner of Health for New York City, where she led major vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives.

Leona’s groundbreaking contributions earned her several honors throughout her career. She was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1969. She also received a Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences as well as the Albert Lasker Public Service Award and the Elizabeth Blackwell Award. Following her tenure as health commissioner, she served as vice president of the The Commonwealth Fund, helping guide national healthcare and medical research initiatives.

Leona was initiated in 1919.

Chapter Awards

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Alice W. Johnson Bowl

2001

Nita Hill Stark Award

2001

Nita Hill Stark Award

2001

Nita Hill Stark Award

2006

Vera Moss Bowl

2008

Spirit Award

2014

Spirit Award

2019

Spirit Award