Nataley Davis | staff writer

Fifth-year pharmacy student Megan Carnahan sings the praises of the professional pharmacy fraternity, Kappa Epsilon, for many reasons.

Along with the strong sense of community and networking opportunities available to students, Kappa Epsilon is united under a common cause.

“We had a member [Katie Ansel] who was very passionate about these philanthropies, breast and ovarian cancer,” Carnahan said. “Ultimately, she ended up passing away from breast cancer herself later on, so this became her legacy.”

The fraternity helps to carry on Ansel’s memory by hosting an annual bake sale, “Cupcakes for a Cause” to raise money for breast and ovarian Cancer research.

By selling an assortment of cupcakes and cookies, the group also raises money for the larger fundraising events that they will host later in the year.

This bake sale is vital for the fraternity as they gear up to host their annual Women’s Health Luncheon.

“We’re raising money to fund that. We usually have it in the Power Center Ballroom, and we invite friends, family,” said fifth-year pharmacy student Ivy Galhardo.

The students involved in Kappa Epsilon come together for the luncheon each year to support various organizations that benefit female cancer patients.

This year’s proceeds will go to Hair Peace Charities and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Members of the fraternity make baskets to give away to raffle winners and donate the proceeds to these causes. This year, they will be hosting their ninth annual luncheon on Oct. 13.

The fraternity has participated in many other philanthropy events that align with their mission throughout the years. One being a walk that raises money for ovarian cancer research called “Together in Teal.”

Another way they generate money for cancer research is by selling merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants throughout the semester. These clothing items made an appearance at the bake sale.

Kappa Epsilon exhibits inspiring philanthropy endeavors, but being in a professional fraternity also comes with experiential benefits to kickstart careers.

Professional fraternities differ from other Greek Life on campus.

They give students the opportunity to connect within their major and receive guidance from professionals of all levels. Kappa Epsilon exemplifies professionalism, but having service at their core is what makes their fraternity unique. Their mission of supporting Breast and Ovarian cancer research and awareness unites students with numerous philanthropy events to get involved with.

“It gives us more specific pharmacy networking opportunities and some professional development, so we’ll do some reviews and other helpful things,” said fifth-year pharmacy student Kelsey Kiger. “You have pre-professionals joining in with professionals so it just brings together the pharmacy students.”

Along with providing a professional outline, the fraternity also assists in building strong social connections with one another.

“I think one of the best parts about being in it for me is I’m able to interact with the younger members and give them the advice I wish I would’ve had as a first year pharmacy student,” Carnahan said. “It’s really neat to give back, I like the sense of community that we have.”

Allison Proctor has been in Kappa Epsilon for almost five years. She said her friendships with other members has been her main takeaway.

“It’s a great thing to put on your resume, something to talk about, but really the connection is what’s impacted me most from being in KE [Kappa Epsilon],” Proctor said.

The final day of the bake sale will be hosted on Academic Walk on Monday.