The Iota Chapter at Cornell University
Random header image... Refresh for more!

About Kappa Phi Lambda

General Information

Creed: “Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity”
Colors: Red, White, Heather Grey
Mascot: Phoenix
Flower: Orchid
Gem: Diamond
Nicknames: Kappas, KPL

Crest: Be it known to all these present that the herein described coat of arms with crest has been designed and designated specifically for the honorable Kappa Phi Lambda of the United States of America in accordance with the finest traditions of heraldry. The arms of the said Kappa Phi Lambda are blazoned as follows, quarterly sanguine and argent, first, an orchid proper, second, a diamond sceptre proper, third, two candles argent alighted, fourth, a globe proper, all within a border agent and surmounted by a vallary crown bearing the greek letters Kappa Phi Lambda, behind the shield, a phoenix wings displayed sable. The motto is Fraternite, Servitium, Varietas, which means ‘Sisterhood, Service, Cultural Diversity’.

Mission Statement

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

National History

Seven (left to right: Samantha Somchanhmavong, Elizabeth Choi, Rei Hirasawa, Chae Yoo Park, Connie Yang, Karen Eng, Hee Cho Moon) women established the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at Binghamton University on March 9, 1995 with a single vision of sisterhood, service, and cultural diversity.

The sorority was conceived to provide a culturally and educationally inspiring grounding for Asian American women, laying the cornerstones of what was to become a revolutionary and unprecedented organization. This culturally based sorority would unite women of differing heritages and encourage use of their strong voices and thought.

This sorority is open to women of all nationalities and backgrounds who want to learn about, actively speak for, and represent Pan-Asian culture. These first sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda also extended their hands to the community through charitable works of both service-oriented and philanthropic natures. Kappa Phi Lambda formed to provide the campus, and, on a large scale, the society with yet another option for learning and another outlet for activity.

Several years ago, seven beautiful women lit the fire that is Kappa Phi Lambda and watched it grow. That fire now burns brightly within each of its present sisters, carrying with it all of our individual aspects, and it will continue to burn within the sisters to come.

Chapter History

In the spring of 2000, seven women (left to right: Christine Tsai, Diana Tsui, Mei Li, Julia Park, Joanne Goh, Christie Yeoh, Raquel Look), not satisfied with the existing opportunities available to enhance their personal growth and to contribute to the campus and community through Asian-awareness and service, brought Kappa Phi Lambda to Cornell University.

Through their dedication and hard work, these remarkable women established a cultural sorority with a vision of a united sisterhood fostering leadership and academic excellence.

Their legacy continues with the following generations of sisters as they continue their philanthropic efforts, hoping to inspire the community to help make a difference. We fundraise for charitable foundations such as the Woman’s Advocacy Center so that they may continue providing free services, support, and educational programs for women and children who have encountered sexual abuse and harassment, abusive relationships or domestic violence.

Every year, Kappa Phi Lambda brings to campus a variety of events that raises awareness and addresses issues concerning Asian culture and women by way of workshops, guest speakers, and discussion panels. Meanwhile, we recognize those on campus who share common values and goals through collaboration with their organizations and support of their events.

Each sister sacrifices hours of her time to help better the environment around her by participating in community service. In the past, we’ve combined efforts with volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and On-site Volunteers so that we can create a larger and lasting impact on our community.

Sisterhood

Joining a sorority is first and foremost about the sisters. What distinguishes a sorority from a club, or other organizations, is our intimate bond with each other. We are a small chapter, but it enables us to foster this bond. In Kappa Phi Lambda, we are truly a family.

Sisterhood is not something you can describe fully, but it encompasses feelings of comfort, certainty, and love. It cannot be quantified in a few sentences. If you want to experience the sisterhood of Kappa Phi Lambda, we urge you to come out and get a taste of sisterhood for yourself.

Past Sisterhood Events:

  • Wings and a Movie
  • Scene It! Night
  • Wine Night
  • Sledding
  • Brunch up North
  • Roadtrips
  • Alumni-Active Dinners in NYC
  • Picnics at Stuart Park
  • Scrapbooking
  • Sleepovers
  • Annual Banquet
  • National Conventions

Service

Community Service is one of the core values of Kappa Phi Lambda. Here at Cornell, we have dedicated much of our time and energy into giving back to our community through a diverse range of service projects.

Our involvement has spread the ideals of our Sorority to the Cornell and Ithaca communities. We participate in various community events, assisting various organizations throughout the academic year, and have performed over 1000 hours of community service since our founding in 2000.

Past Service Events:

  • Into the Streets
  • Beverly J. Martin Elementary School Volunteer Intiative
  • Cabin Fever
  • Crayon Carnival
  • Judy’s Day
  • Adopt-A-Highway
  • Crossroads
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive On-Site
  • Bone Marrow Drive
  • Taste of Nations
  • March of Dimes Ribbon Making
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Duck Race
  • Multicultural Resource Center
  • Cornell Fund Phone-a-thon
  • Cayuga Nature Center
  • Ithaca Asian Awareness Association
  • Ithaca Family Reading Partnership

Philanthropy

Philanthropy is a very important aspect of Kappa Phi Lambda. Since our establishment, we have succeeded in our many efforts to raise money and donate to a variety of organizations. Kappa Phi Lambda’s national philanthropy is the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.

This organization works on a grassroots level for social and economic justice and the political empowerment of Asian and Pacific American women and girls.

Kappa Phi Lambda has continuously donated to this national organization which benefits Asian American women for our own goal is to empower women living in poverty, fear, and illness.

For the past six years, our chapter at Cornell has continuously been working towards donating to the Advocacy Center for our chapter philanthropy.

One of our more well-known philanthropy efforts is our bi-annual flower sale, in which the proceeds from selling a variety of flowers have gone to the Advocacy Center to support efforts against domestic violence and sexual abuse. Since 2000, we have raised and donated over $3000.

Past Philanthropy Organizations We’ve Worked With:

  • Charity Denim
  • Cornell Elves Program
  • The Advocacy Center in Ithaca
  • Tompkins Catholic Charities of America
  • Salvation Army
  • Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  • Women Against Domestic Violence
  • Make a Wish Foundation
  • Relay for Life
  • Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Inc.
  • Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Inc.
  • Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc.
  • Pi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Cultural Diversity

Since our founding in the Spring of 2000, Kappa Phi Lambda has been extremely active in promoting interest in Asian culture, as well as other cultures.

Along with attending activities held by many of the other organizations throughout the school year, we have taken pride in presenting our own events to educate the Cornell community about Pan-Asian culture.

Since 2000, we have dedicated countless hours to cultural awareness and have sponsored a multitude of cultural events.

Past Cultural Events:

  • Cultural Weakest Link
  • Cultural Jeopardy
  • Back in High School…
  • Wear from Where?
  • Asian Pacific Americans Association Women’s Conference
  • Asian American Heritage Week Workshops
  • Freshmen Orientation Picnic Event
  • Fall Cultural Pan-Asian Variety Show
  • KimBap Making
  • Korean Fan Dance
  • Scroll-Making Workshop
  • Bellydancing Workshop
  • Dragonboat Festival
  • Lunar New Year Festival