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For nearly two decades, the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Kappa Epsilon has cultivated future pharmacy leaders at USC. With 50 active members and strong alumni connections, the professional pharmacy fraternity for women continues to thrive.

“It’s just a great group of ladies to work with,” says Professor Celeste Caulder, who has served as the group’s advisor since 2007. “Each year, I get to know different students on a more personal level and help them further develop their professional skills and leadership abilities in ways they don’t always get in the traditional didactic classroom setting."

Kappa Epsilon President Caroline Kinder leads a student leadership team focused on expanding the chapter’s impact through philanthropy and professional development. In the fall, KE held its signature butterfly release for the Ovarian Cancer Society and took part in the Walk for Life 5K and 10K runs at Prisma Health Midlands to support breast cancer awareness.

“We have faculty members who shared that they are battling breast cancer, and we wanted to do something to support them,” Kinder explains. “We now have a College of Pharmacy team and fundraising shirts to help with our donations to the breast cancer society.”

The chapter recently earned the national Rose Award for outstanding communication and meeting deadlines. Members have also been competitive for the Zeta Cooper Scholarship as several students have received the $1,000 annual awards.

Kinder is also planning the organization’s 2026 regional retreat, which will bring together KE chapters from the Southeast. She hopes to create networking opportunities and reconnect with alumni, a priority for the growing organization.

“KE has provided me with the greatest opportunity to not only have a mentor like Dr. Caulder but also to learn from failures and progress in my professional career before stepping into the real world,” Kinder says.

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Topics: Student Organizations, Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience