Love, hope, charity, honesty, loyalty, obedience and self-help are seven virtues Kappa Alpha Sigma focuses on to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood.

The Kappa Alpha Sigma sorority was known as Karitethes in 1959 when UW-Platteville officially recognized it. In 1965, the Greek organization became Kappa Alpha Sigma. Delbert Carey and Patti Mitch advise the UW-P chapter of young women.

“We currently have 38 active members and eight Honies,” Fall 2009 Pledge Educator Channing Brown said. “This year we had 16 pledges pledge our sorority.”

Kappa Alpha Sigmas participated in various activities around the community and on campus.

“So far this year Kappa Alpha Sigma has participated in highway clean up, the second annual ALS Walk, Greek involvement fairs, Greek block party, Grumpy Fun Run in Mount Horeb, bingo and karaoke at Heartland Nursing home, Promotion Scholastic and diversity programs held by campus,” president Mariah Droessler said.

During the spring semester of 2010, Kappa Alpha Sigmas will continue to serve the community by helping with Relay for Life and playing bingo with the elders at Manor Care.

“The spring also brings on a new round of rushing and pledging, which we always enjoy,” spring 2010 new member educator Courtney Wiegel said.

One of the biggest events Kappa Alpha Sigmas participates in each year is homecoming. The week-long event gives Kappa Alpha Sigmas the opportunity to interact, bond and have fun with the other organizations on campus.

“Homecoming week is always a great memory and it is also a time when the alumni come back,” said Brown.

Involvement in a Greek organization is a way to get involved on campus, as well as meet many people. For people who are interested in doing community service projects and are not sure where to start, a Greek organization is one place to look.

Droessler said the best part about being involved with a Greek organization is having a family away from home.

“Being a part of Kappa Alpha Sigmas has given me a chance to meet many wonderful women who are all so unique. We each can bring so many different benefits and ideas, making us the best organization we can be,” said Droessler.

“I love my sisters and love spending time with each and every one of them,” Wiegel said. “The sisterhood, hands down, is the best part. We are all so close and it is an amazing feeling.”