About Kappa Phi Lambda 


Sisterhood. Service. Cultural Diversity.

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

OUR HISTORY In the fall of 2003, a group of young women came together and decided that it was necessary that those in search of sisterhood have an organization to turn to on Columbia University's campus; an organization that is not purely social, but focuses more intently on aiding the community and expanding awareness about Asian American issues. This steadfast group of ten women, including Amy Bai, Angie Cheng, Yan Ho, Michelle Huang, De Anna Lau, Lily Lew, Cindy Pang, Nhu Tran, Lilia Tse, and Alice Wong, has worked to start something that brings the Asian American community at Columbia University together, and allows them to present themselves as a solid and unified whole to the campus at large.

Frequently Asked Questions 


WHAT IS RUSH?
Rush is a period of one or two weeks at the beginning of each semester when "Greeks" (sororities and fraternities) hold events for "non-Greeks" in an effort to recruit new members. During this rush period, Kappa Phi Lambda holds a series of events from general information meetings to cultural and community service events. These events are held in order for YOU to get to know the Kappa sisters and what we stand for. There are no obligations or commitments during rush, so don't worry! This is a period where you can just relax, have fun, and chill with the sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda!

DO I HAVE TO BE ASIAN TO JOIN KAPPA PHI LAMBDA?
You do NOT have to be Asian to join Kappa Phi Lambda. We have many different nationalities represented within Kappa Phi Lambda. We stand as a cultural sorority, and diversity is one of the many important ideals we promote. We are an Asian-interest sorority, NOT Asian-exclusive. Kappa Phi Lambda welcomes women of all races who believe in what our sorority stands for: Sisterhood, Service, and Cultural Diversity.

WHAT IS PLEDGING? DO YOU HAZE?
Pledging is the period after rush that is another step deeper into the journey to becoming a sister. Pledging is a process to challenge you and for you to learn more about yourself, your pledge sisters, and the sisters and sorority of Kappa Phi Lambda. The same experience that each and every Kappa sister has been through holds some of the most cherished secrets within our sorority. KPL strictly abides by the rules and beliefs behind positive pledging. There is never a moment that Kappa Phi Lambda would put you in a harmful situation.

IS PLEDGING DIFFICULT?
To be honest, pledging is definitely a challenge in its own way. We want every sister’s crossing into eternal sisterhood to be something that is earned, deserved, and remembered forever. Most of all, we want the letters of Kappa Phi Lambda to be represented proudly with utmost dedication. Not only is it a time to show the sisters what you are capable of, but also a chance to prove something to yourself. Through it all, many Greeks find an improvement in self-confidence and approachability after the pledging process.

WILL PLEDGING AFFECT MY GRADES?
Academic excellence is a principle that Kappa Phi Lambda strives for. We always keep in mind that our education is first priority, for both pledges and sisters. Sisters never make pledges cut class, and major academic examinations and papers are always under consideration. Many sisters have maintained a high grade point average during pledging.

DOES BEING IN A SISTERHOOD MEAN THAT I WILL ONLY BE FRIENDS WITH A SMALL GROUP?
Kappa Phi Lambda exists currently in 24 different schools ranging from upstate New York to Florida and Illinois with over 900 sisters nationwide. The relationship among schools is very close; we often see sisters from local schools, and we take numerous road trips to visit other chapters and colonies to support them in their events. Not only do sisters meet during cultural and service events, parties and mixers are other ways that sisters get to meet and have fun. Even as a rushee, you may find that even sisters across the nation are trying to get to know you.

WHAT IS BEING A SISTER LIKE? WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE ONE? WHAT DO I GET OUT OF IT?
Sisterhood is forever; it's a bond that we share because of our experiences together, because of the bonding that happened during pledging, because of mutual respect that we have for one another. We have busy schedules--many of us work, take over 18 credits, do community service, join clubs on campus, and all the other responsibilities and opportunities that come with college life. But, the one thing that all of our sisters have in common is the desire to do something more. College is a confusing, fast-paced time, and it's all too easy to join one club and float through four years without truly accomplishing something other then a diploma. Joining Kappa is a way to have a long-standing impact through community service, philanthropy, and cultural awareness events. It's a way to gain leadership and time-management skills that will be invaluable to you as you move through life. It's also a great way to make lifelong friends. Being that we are also a sorority, there is a tight knit bond that exists between everyone. Every single sister has a voice in what we do and every single sister contributes greatly to the organization. We are not only an organization but also an experience. College is a time for self-discovery and new experiences. Being in a sorority provides a base for lasting friendships and memories.

WHAT MAKES KAPPA PHI LAMBDA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ASIAN-INTEREST ORGANIZATIONS?
Being that we are also a sorority, there is a tight knit bond that exists between everyone. Every single sister has a voice in what we do and each sister contributes greatly to the organization. We are not only an organization, but also an experience, and college is a time for self-discovery and new experiences. Being in a sorority provides a base for lasting friendships and special memories even beyond graduation.