Kean’s newest sorority: the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma

By Steven-Ross Bugayong | Published September 29, 2022

At Kean University, Greek life is a vibrant place where students learn and grow, and joining them for the first time ever is the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma.

When you think about the term Greek life, what comes to mind? The hazing scandals? The parties? You may have even heard of the term ‘buying friends’. But Greek life is more than that. It’s a place where students find and build a form of community. 

Kappa Beta Gamma was founded on January 22, 1917, by 12 women at Marquette University who preached sisterhood and friendship. Since then, the sorority has spread to different universities across the United States and Canada, with the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma being the newest one at Kean since April 9, 2022. 

The sorority headquarters have been reaching out to Kean students since fall 2021. By the following spring semester, six members were recruited. They became the founding members of the Beta Theta chapter, making Kappa Beta Gamma the newest face of Greek life at Kean, with plans to expand membership.

Robyn Hadyu, a junior psychology major and Kappa Beta Gamma Secretary said prior to joining Kappa Beta Gamma, she hated sororities. 

“It wasn’t until the Greek day in the spring that Kappa Beta Gamma DM me,” Hadyu said. “At first, I was confused because I don’t fit the mold for sororities, but I figured why not and went to all five recruitment days, and here I am.” 

Haydu was not the only founding recruit who continued the sentiment of being afraid of sororities. Gya Perez, a senior biology major and Kappa Beta Gamma President, was also scared and misinformed about Greek life.

Perez said she wasn’t passionate about sorority life because of how it is portrayed in the media.

“At first, I thought the whole process would be nerve-racking,”  Perez said. “But once I joined Greek Life at Kean, I learned that it’s not as intense or ridiculous as the media makes it seem. It’s like a close-knit family, and I wish more people would see that.”

As Perez mentioned, the stereotype is the main sentiment that comes to mind when individuals all hear the term Greek life. However, like all Greek organizations, Kappa Beta Gamma also follows philanthropy by aiding the Special Olympics. But here at Kean, the Beta Theta sisters are also passionate about pediatric cancer.

“All the different chapters around the U.S. and Canada all make events and fundraisers to help with the Special Olympics,” Perez said. “But on top of our overall philanthropy, every chapter has its philanthropy, and for us at Kean, it’s pediatric cancer.”

Perez, who plans to be a labor and delivery nurse after graduating, said the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma focused on pediatric cancer to help the families and children affected by the disease. 

“Anyway, we can help by giving them money or even putting a smile on their faces makes it worth it,” Perez said.

Currently, the Beta Theta chapter only has five members. But they look forward to expanding among the Kean community. After a great turnout at Kean Day, the future seems bright.

“We welcome anyone who identifies in the nine binaries,” Haydu said. “To anyone afraid of the stereotypes, give it a try, and if you don’t like it, that’s fine at least you gave it a shot. But I know for me it was worth it.”

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