he Hilton Cup is presented to the chapter that has exceeded ALL expectations as an organization during the past academic year. This chapter has supported the mission and values of their sorority as well as having exemplified Syracuse University's five core values: Caring, Diversity, Quality, Innovation, and Service. This award acknowledges the commitment of the chapter and its members towards developing and improving, on all levels, the environment at SU."

It was one of the most fantastic moments in the history of Kappa Phi Lambda's Gamma chapter. The second to last award at the annual Greek Awards Reception would be the Hilton Cup, the prized trophy honoring one sorority as outstanding amongst the 20+ sororities existing at Syracuse University. As the emcee described the Hilton Cup awardees as "a relatively young sorority," going on to mention their dedication to diversity, community service, innovative programming, and the like, we sat at the front of the filled auditorium waiting to applaud the winners.

This was our first year entering the Greek Awards, as we were only recognized three years ago after being established on the campus of Syracuse University in 1997. When the recipient of the cup was announced: "Kappa Phi Lambda," we remained in our seats clapping- not realizing we had actually won. After a brief pause, we stared at each other in astonishment and absolute elation. Some screamed, others cried and we all walked to the stage together to receive our trophy, with the auditorium applauding on their feet.

It wasn't the trophy that brought us to tears; rather it was the recognition we deserved and finally received that reassured us our labor was well worth the toil. The history and ongoing painstaking efforts of being recognized by the Office of Greek Life department, student organizations, and fellow Greeks, have been exasperating and at times lackluster. Existing as the only Asian-interest Greek organization on campus, we had much to prove and many to prove it to.

This current academic year has found us active in nearly every outlet of collegiate life. We have devoted over 20 hours of community service to events including Comstock Kids Fest, CROP walk, Light the Night walk, Month of Kindness service events, and Remembrance Scholars to name a few. We've also endeavored in diversifying ourselves by collaborating with numerous organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Latino Greek Council, and Intra-Mural Fraternity Council through various cultural workshops covering race, self-segregation, slam poetry, and domestic violence. Keeping with Kappa Phi Lambda's commitment to philanthropy, we've continually fundraised for our national charity- Women Against Domestic Violence, as well as sending books and writing letters to soldiers in Iraq, stitching quilt patches for orphans in Korea, and donating to the Salvation Army.

On top of our community efforts, we have contributed to the university through the expansion and solidification of the Multi-Greek Letter Council under the leadership of our Vice President, Jee-Yae Kim. Nam-Hee Chung and Jenny Chan held Greek Week committee chairs, the board which works to organize a weeklong series of events unifying the large Greek community at Syracuse University.

Although our concerted efforts have gained us the Hilton Cup, the greatest attribute Gamma chapter possesses is the genuine sisterhood we can all attest to. Consistently standing as one of Kappa Phi Lambda's smallest chapters, we have proved to all that it isn't the amount of names on a roster but the depth of commitment and heart that act as catalysts for greatness. We have endured tough periods together as well as moments of glory- and in all these times and every second in between; we have only become stronger as individuals, as a chapter, and consequently- as a sisterhood, all in the name of Kappa Phi Lambda.

Alice Pang - Inque
Theta Gamma
Fall 2000
Gamma Chapter President

Ed. note: We are so proud of our mighty Gamma chapter, please help us in congratulating them here.