Lambda Kappa Sigma


Lambda Kappa Sigma is an international pharmacy fraternity headquartered in Muskego, Wisconsin. Founded in 1913, it was created to promote the profession of pharmacy among women and advance women within the profession. LKS is the oldest and largest professional pharmacy fraternity for women in the world. Lambda Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 30,000 members and has 44 chartered chapters. LKS also has 36 chartered alumni groups internationally.

Overview

Lambda Kappa Sigma is dedicated to developing the intellectual, leadership, and professional skills of its members. LKS promotes professional growth and its educational programs enhance professional development in the field of pharmacy, with an emphasis placed on women's health issues. Continuing education credits are also available. LKS also has an Educational Grant Program.

History

On October 14, 1913, Ethel J. Heath and eight other female students at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy organized Lambda Kappa Society, a social club. Charter members were Ethel J. Heath, Annabel Carter Jones, Mary Connolly Livingston, Emma MacDonnell Cronin, Willette McKeever Cheever, Mary Durgin Loveland, Alice G. Coleman, Margaret M. Curran, and Rosemond A. Guinn.
In 1915 the organization ceased being a luncheon club and was opened to all members of the college. Sigma was added to the name, and the official badge, motto, flower, and colors were selected. In 1919 the official coat-of-arms, designed by Cora E. Craven, was adopted.
The first national convention was held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1926. The Tau Chapter founded at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania March 18, 1932. An official prayer was presented by the Eta Chapter and Delta Chapter presented a song to be used as the official sorority song. Both the prayer and the song were adopted for national use in 1950.
The Silver Anniversary Convention was held in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1938. At that convention the delegates voted to join the Professional Panhellenic Association, becoming the first pharmaceutical sorority in the PPA.
On April 28, 1956 ΛΚΣ became international with the addition of the Alpha Lambda chapter in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on the campus of the University of British Columbia.
The 1982 biennial convention was held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the Delta Collegiate, Tau Collegiate, and Tau Alumni chapters as hosts.
The 1996 biennial convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri, with the Alpha Zeta Collegiate and Alumni chapters as hosts.
During the 1988 biennial convention, the members voted to delete all gender references from the fraternity's membership requirements. The fraternity was now open to both male and female members, following a twelve-year battle to legally remain a fraternity for women only.

Chapters

Collegiate