Epsilon Upsilon

California State University, Northridge

Not only was Epsilon Upsilon the 100th chapter of Alpha Phi, but it was also California’s 10th collegiate chapter. Installation weekend for Epsilon Upsilon Chapter at California State University, Northridge, was held December 6-8, 1974. 

Sororities had been present at California State University, Northridge, since it’s beginning. In 1958 all the sororities were local. In 1974 the last three locals were invited by national sororities. Epsilon Upsilon chapter until 1974 had been a local sorority, Gamma Gamma Phi.

Installation weekend activities opened with an inspiration ceremony December 6 at the Beta Pi chapter house at the University of Southern California. The court of ivy presentation was given by collegians from the nearby Beta Delta chapter at UCLA. The next morning, December 7, initiation was held at the Beta Pi chapter house. A buffet luncheon was served, and then a model meeting was presented by Beta Pi collegians.

That evening new initiates were honored at a banquet at the Continental Hyatt House in Hollywood. From the welcoming punch bowl to the last goodbye, the evening was a marvelous success. International President Phyllis Sims Selig (Gamma Delta-Kansas) was guest speaker, and International Director of Chapters West Nancy Tucker Arneson (Nu-Nebraska) was toastmistress. Welcoming addresses were given by Dean of Students Edmond T. Peckham; Judy Kay Schmidt Mead (Delta Gamma-Northern Colorado), Alpha Phi International Director of Extension; Sue Ann Dean Stout (Beta Delta-UCLA), International Vice President, and Sharon Beechinor, president of USC collegians. 

The loving cup ceremony was conducted by Darlee Buchanan Crockett (Gamma Alpha-San Diego State), Governor of District X. A presentation of gifts to the new chapter was made by Connie Purkiss Kelly (Beta Delta-UCLA), District Alumnae Chairman, and was acknowledged by Dottie Nelson Heitz (Chi-Montana), president of the San Fernando Valley Alumnae.

On Sunday, a reception and chartering ceremony were held in the University Dining Room on the Northridge campus. It was attended by over 300 friends, parents and members of other Greek letter organizations. The highlight of the day occurred when 40 members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity marched into the room and presented flowers to Sue Oberg, president of the new chapter.