Association History

You have to know where you’ve been to know where you are going. Kappa holds a special place in its heart for Fraternity history, but every association of our organization has unique beginnings of its own. Each plays a part in shaping us today and continuing the Kappa tradition beyond college.

The Orange County Alumnae Association was founded October 28, 1947 by a group of women with the desire to expand Kappa sisterhood beyond college into a lifetime connection in the southern portion of Orange County, California.  Last year, OCAA is celebrated its 70th anniversary - a special landmark that was recognized at Founders Day celebration! In the history of Orange County, several Kappa associations and clubs were formed: Southern O.C., Northern O.C., Central O.C., Leisure World/Laguna Woods, and Saddleback-Capistrano Valley, each encompassing specific geographic sectors of the County.  Over time, as the County grew and developed, all of those alumnae groups merged into what is now Orange County Association.  The Long Beach Association also merged into Orange County, as that area became more closely linked with the Orange County communities to the east. 

From the date of our founding, we have reached out to Kappas in Southern California to maintain the tradition of community, leadership, philanthropy and friendship. With a membership of more than 200, OCAA positively impacts the collegiate chapters in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties by providing advisory and house board support, financial assistance and personal interaction.  Over its 70-year history, members of the association have provided Province, Region, District  and Fraternity leadership, sharing responsibilities for chapter colonization, conventions and meetings, educational workshops, Panhellenic participation, and community philanthropy. Since its beginnings, OCAA has provided support to the chapters located throughout Southern California, including Gamma Xi and Delta Tau in Los Angeles County and Epsilon Pi in Riverside County.  In 1982, the Fraternity colonized Zeta Eta Chapter at the University of California, Irvine. OCAA members organized and coordinated the initial recruitment, initiation and installation, establishing and maintaining Advisory and House Boards and taking a lead in securing Kappa Kappa Gamma housing in the University's Greek village.  Following the Fraternity's suspension of the Zeta Eta Chapter charter in June 2013, OCAA warmly welcomed and integrated into its activities not only the graduating seniors but all initiated chapter members, giving them a supportive 'Kappa home" for the duration of their undergraduate days.  In Spring 2013, Kappa colonized the Eta Sigma Chapter at Chapman University and, again, OCAA members were the key figures in the planning and installation of the chapter and in establishing Advisory and House Boards.  The women of OCAA continue to actively support the Eta Sigma Chapter activities, events and philanthropic projects. which included very successful GIRLS Academy presentations in 2015 and 2018.. 

The Orange County Alumnae Association is comprised of over 200 members members that range in age from 21 to 100 years of age and represent more than 75 different Kappa chapters. The inter-generational activities and interests provide a unique opportunity for learning and sharing.  The leadership and governing board is as diverse as the membership.  New ideas are welcomed and implemented, while tradition and heritage are valued and respected.  50-year, 65-year and 75-year Kappas share stories and memories with first-year graduates who find their Kappa home in OCAA after leaving chapter days behind. 

There are a variety of opportunities to meet and connect with fellow Kappa sisters in the widespread Orange County area through area gatherings that involve zip-code gatherings, interest groups such as Pinterest crafts, needlework, book discussion groups, Kappa Koffee, Lunch Bunch, Kultured Kappas, Night Owls, Kareer Kappas, Owlets, along with fun activities such as bridge and hiking.  Program meetings bring together large numbers for speakers on topics of interest, such as cooking pointers or financial planning. Whether it’s at our evening and daytime meetings, an outside interest or activity, or special events throughout the year, you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Our annual Holiday luncheon, Founders Day celebration, Graduating Senior Welcome, September Kick-off are unforgettable occasions to meet and share with new-found and long-time Kappa friends.  We welcome you and look forward to seeing you soon! 

Interested in joining? Visit our How to Join.