Theta Kappa Phi was founded on June 4th, 1959, and became the first official Asian American interest sorority at UCLA. Thetas offered UCLA women something special... A unique sisterhood different from all other sororities on campus. The foundations of Theta Kappa Phi emerged from the aspirations and goals of nine young freshmen women, now known as the Charter Members, who fostered a memorable bond together and wanted to share that friendship with others.

Every story has a beginning and ours began with our Founding Mother, Margaret Ohara. Margaret Ohara, after being mistaken for someone of Irish descent (O'Hara), was given a Panhellenic Scholarship upon acceptance to UCLA. After discovering her true Japanese-American identity, Margaret was denied admittance and membership into all of the Greek sororities on the row. Yet Margaret, along with eight other women, had a dream of their own. With the help of Mrs. Rex P. Enochs, an active Panhellenic member and organizer of the UCLA chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, the Charter Members succeeded in establishing a true sorority for themselves and others to come. The good fortune of the sorority continued when the late and distinguished, Dr. Robert S. Kinsman, served as the founding faculty advisor along with his wife, Mrs. Barbara Kinsman (an honorary Theta), for 45 devoted years.

As each year goes by, new students are able to experience the intimacy and fond memories that the Charter Members felt that very first year together. Theta Kappa Phi provides a closely knit structure of support for new students, while enhancing the skills, ambitions, and college experiences of all its members. All it takes is heart... and Thetas always have heart to give.

Faith.... Love... Trust... these three simple words exist at the core and heart of Theta Kappa Phi. Sisterhood is built during pledgeship and blossoms beyond our college years. As Theta sisters, we share experiences, develop memories, and grow together. Throughout the year, sisterhood events give us a chance to take time out of our busy college lives to relax and spend time with each other. Events such as our annual ski trip, road trips to Las Vegas, sleepovers, datenights, and countless food and boba runs bring us closer together, giving us endless Kodak moments and funny stories to reminisce over.

Each sister is diverse and unique in her own special way--and that is what makes Thetas so wonderful. The colorful array of personalities, qualities, and interests are brought together and shared, complementing one another in many unexpected ways. Thetas give girls a chance to develop this sisterhood, which is only the beginning of an everlasting friendship.

Community service is one of the pillars upon which Theta Kappa Phi was founded. Thetas recognize the importance of giving back to our community to help improve the lives of others and to build a better future. Annual philanthropy events include the Revlon Run/Walk to raise breast cancer awareness, Little Tokyo Sparkle, WAT Thai Tutorial, Christmas Caroling at Keiro Nursing Home, Project Chicken Soup, L.A. Tofu Festival, Manhattan Beach Clean-Ups, UCLA Run/Walk, Reading to Kids, Alexandria House, and many more.

Fundraising provides the sorority an opportunity to raise funds for our events, and to support important causes and charities. There are about four annual major fundraisers: Battle of the Pledge Dances, Mardi Gras Party, and Bowling and Basketball Tournaments, along with car washes, bake sales, and TV tapings.

Theta Kappa Phi not only focuses on sisterhood and service to the community, but academics as well. It is important to us that every sister maintains her GPA and does well in her courses. After all, you are a UCLA student first! There are many older actives to provide help and assistance in classes that they have already taken. Test banks with old exams and notes, along with study sessions, help motivate each other to succeed.

Each quarter, Thetas recognize every sister who made the honor roll and at the end of the year, the annual Dr. Robert S. Kinsman Scholarship, open to all sisters, is awarded to the Theta sister who has shown the most leadership, and excelled academic academically and overall.

Theta Kappa Phi is committed to the academic achievements of its members and strives to maintain that standard. As a result, Theta Kappa Phi is the only Asian Greek organization that offers two $1000 scholarships every year.

Another vital aspect of Thetas is the social networking as it goes much deeper than surface interactions. Beyond building close friendships within the sorirty, social activities establish bonds and relations with other amazing people you might otherwise never get to meet. From ice-skating to tailgating, to bowling and the exchanges, all the social events that Thetas participate in help our members network and develop people skills that are important for success in the future.