Kappa Gamma Pi - The National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society

Message from the President

Membership in Kappa Gamma Pi following nomination by our affiliates reflects their pride in each Kappa, an academically gifted individual, capable of creating a better world by applying a Catholic university or college education and God-given talents. As we celebrate our 85th anniversary over the next year, we invite you to be an active partner in our graduate honor society, numbering over 52,000 members.

Our motto of “Faith and Service” coupled with scholastic excellence and leadership embodies our basic values and leads us to participate in meaningful activities aimed at giving service and working to resolve complicated issues. At present our members support three service projects: Reduction of Illiteracy, Alleviation of World Hunger, and Protection and Nurturing of God’s Green Earth. At our most recent National Convention we learned of the Pachamama Alliance, a global grassroots effort aimed at conserving the earth’s resources by creating a common-sense plan for equitable sharing and caring. Choice of focus for service projects, however, still remains the prerogative of chapter members or the individual.

In an age of social networking, Kappa can provide a nucleus of new contacts of sound character, proven achievements, and sensitivity to the needs of others with whom members can socialize and consolidate efforts for service goals. We encourage chapter formation for that reason and can assist in creating one wherever Kappas may live or re-locate. We utilize our Kappa Gamma Pi NEWS, issued five times a year, to keep our members connected and informed. New chapter development, service project information, special interest coverage, and personal or professional achievements can be shared by submitting such details to our editor, Anne Dunlap-Kahren, at dunlap_kahren@yahoo.com.

We are committed to maintaining ties with our nominating colleges and universities, providing an opportunity for any Kappa to become a liaison to one of our 141 schools. A yearly campus visit allows us to maintain a vital communication between the National Office and our affiliates. For schools lacking a liaison, we have developed an Ambassador Program, requesting a one-year commitment from a recent graduate willing to be our campus contact. To volunteer or to learn more, please contact Judy Gelwicks, National Executive Secretary, at kappagammapi@cinci.rr.com.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, we have been able to offer multiple Cornaro Scholarships each year since 1985. All Kappas who have been accepted into a graduate study program are eligible to apply, including our most recent nominees. Application and deadline information can be downloaded from the Cornaro webpage.

In order to maintain a more personal contact with all our members, we provide contact info for Kappa officers, board members, regents, chapter presidents, and area contacts, all caring Kappa volunteers.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Pat Baumgarten, National President
baumgartenpat@aol.com
7107 Arrowood, W. Bloomfield, MI 48324