SORORITY HISTORY

On March 9, 1995, seven courageous young women at Binghamton University set forth to establish an organization that represented their values and ideals of Asian-American culture-- Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. These young women, Elizabeth Choi, Karen Eng, Rei Hirasawa, Hee Cho Moon, Chae Yoo Park, Samantha Somchanhmavong, and Connie Yang, envisioned a sorority that would encompass values such as sisterhood, community service, and cultural diversity. With these values instilled, Kappa Phi Lambda has now expanded to 24 colleges and universities, and is undoubtedly still growing at an amazing rate. The sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority are made up of a medlee of different races and welcomes anyone of non-Asian ethnicity. The sorority's goal is to share its values with anyone who believes in the same ventures it strives for. With emphasis on the importance of academic excellence, sisterly bonds, and Asian-awareness, Kappa Phi Lambda has and will successfully leave behind a legacy of eternal sisterhood that its seven founding mothers worked so hard to achieve.

Seven Founding Mothers
[L-R] Samantha Somchanhmavong, Elizabeth Choi, Rei Hirasawa, Chae Yoo Park, Connie Yang, Karen Eng, Hee Cho Moon

CHAPTER HISTORY

The epsilon chapter of the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority was established at New York University on March 7, 1998. A group of ambitious ladies, united in the belief that the community at NYU needed an Asian interest sorority with the goals and mission of Kappa Phi Lambda, came together and committed themselves to the task. Five ladies, Jocelyn Cruz, Wendy Kong, Adrianne Ortizo, Mary Tung, and Loretta Wong, became a part of history by chartering the first Asian sorority of its kind at NYU. Since 1998, Kappa Phi Lambda at NYU has kept expanding to a roster of over 80 sisters, with 16 active members. Our sisters represent a variety of ethnicities, nationalities, and personal talents and interests; each sister's individuality contributes to the sorority as a whole. As an organization we have done hours of community service, including events in local schools, soup kitchens, and the Poconos, donated hundreds to philanthropy, and held numerous Asian interest and
cultural events.

MISSION STATEMENT

"We, the sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, strive to strengthen Sisterhood amongst women by providing service and promoting cultural diversity to our members and our community, thus securing the bond of kinship for posterity. Kappa Phi Lambda exists to further educate individuals about Pan-Asian culture, while keeping our own identities. We aim for academic excellence, keeping in mind the importance of education and learning as the key to strength, awareness, and fulfillment."