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Chi Chapter, �ձ�av��Ƶ’s branch of the Kappa Epsilon national pharmacy fraternal organization, was recognized with the Rose Chapter Award for excellence in outstanding community service and professional involvement this summer at Kappa Epsilon’s national convention in Lexington, Kentucky.

Founded in 1921, Kappa Epsilon has inducted more than 25,000 members since its inception. The organization’s mission is to “to unite pharmacy students, faculty and alumni dedicated to empower its members to achieve personal and professional competence, to develop leaders within the profession and community, and to provide professional and philanthropic services.” Current national service initiatives focus on breast cancer and ovarian cancer awareness.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s Chi Chapter has actively supported Kappa Epsilon’s breast cancer awareness initiative for more than a decade. Over the years, chapter members have participated in wellness fairs and the Relay for Life as well as created and distributed breast cancer support baskets for chemotherapy patients.

Currently, Chi Chapter, which recently inducted seven new members, is working to deepen its involvement in Brookings while also deepening ties and strengthening support networks among chapter members. For example, chapter members have actively been providing care packages to the Brookings domestic abuse shelter, Margo’s Place. Chapter members also gather regularly for community-building activities, such as bowling or making tie blankets, which are then shared with residents of a local nursing home.

The Rose Chapter Award is presented to chapters that consistently show dedication to Kappa Epsilon’s standards and responsibilities, including outstanding community service and professionalism. This year, only seven out of 37 chapters nationwide earned the Rose Chapter Award. This marks the second time the chapter has received the honor, reflecting the dedication of its members and advisers while reinforcing the chapter’s ongoing commitment to growth, leadership and service within the profession of pharmacy.