Kappa Alpha Theta

Hi everyone! My name is Ellie Metzger, and I have the absolute honor of serving as the

President of the Gamma Rho chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. I’m so grateful that you’ve found

yourself here, and I’m even more excited to share how Theta became my home, my heart, and

the most transformative part of my college experience. Beyond Theta, being part of the

Panhellenic community at UCSB has been just as inspiring—filled with driven, kind, and

passionate women across every chapter who continuously uplift one another and make Greek

Life here something truly special.

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When I first arrived at UCSB, I didn’t anticipate just how much I would miss home. I was over

2,000 miles away from the people and places that had shaped me, and the unfamiliarity of it all

was overwhelming. But then I found Theta. Or maybe more accurately, Theta found me. In a sea

of strangers, I suddenly found warmth, connection, and women who made me feel seen. I vividly

remember sitting down on the first day of recruitment with an active member of Theta, thinking

she was the human embodiment of sunshine, only later to receive the privilege of her as my

grand-big. And it wasn’t just her. Every Theta I met carried that same kind of light—the kind

that’s infectious, comforting, and familiar. I was surrounded by reflections of my best friends

from home: women who cheer you on without hesitation, who make you laugh until your

stomach hurts, and who stay by your side through it all.

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As my freshman year unfolded, the ache for home slowly faded. Because I had found a new one.

From late-night chats with fellow freshmen to seniors who championed me from the sidelines,

every connection within Theta held this quiet, yet powerful, understanding: we show up for each

other. Always. By sophomore year, that figurative home became a literal one when I moved into

the chapter house. Living with my sisters was everything I’d hoped for. Our nights were filled

with impromptu dance parties, marathon heart-to-hearts, and the kind of joy that lingers long

after the moment passes. No matter where the day took us—on a beach run, a hiking trail, or a

millionth study session—we always made it back in time for dinner with Chef Al, where we’d

laugh until the sun disappeared behind the sky.

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But what makes Theta so special isn’t just the laughter or the sisterhood—it’s the purpose. Theta

women are deeply driven, not just in their personal goals, but in the impact they want to leave on

the world. In 2022, we became the first Green Certified Greek house in the state of California—a

testament to our chapter’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. That

same drive fuels our dedication to CASA, our national philanthropy supporting Court Appointed

Special Advocates for children in the foster care system. These volunteers are often the only

stable, supportive presence in a child’s life, and our chapter proudly supports CASA through

events like our fall Cornhole Tournament and our spring Camp CASA competition. With recent

federal funding cuts, our mission has never felt more urgent, and the women of Theta have

responded with unshakable resolve and heart.

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Whether you’ve dreamed of joining a sorority for as long as you can remember, are just now

dipping your toes in, or ended up on this page because a friend begged you to rush with them, I

encourage you to keep an open heart. You might just find what I did: a group of women who will

celebrate your highest highs, carry you through your lowest lows, and help you discover the

strongest, truest version of yourself.Joining a sorority isn’t just a college experience—it’s a lifelong one. The women of Theta will be there long after graduation: at my future wedding, during my biggest milestones, and on the days I just need someone who knows me to my core. They’re the ones I’ll call decades from now

just to laugh about the good old days or cry about something new. This sisterhood is forever. I

carry it with me every single day—and I truly cannot wait to welcome you into the heart of it all

this recruitment season.

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With all my heart,

TLAM,

Ellie Metzger

Chapter President

Gamma Rho Chapter, Kappa Alpha Theta

theta.ceo.ucsb@gmail.com