The Central Iowa Alumnae Panhellenic Association (CIAPA) is an organization connecting women from the 26 groups in the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).

Our mission is to connect women in the Central Iowa area who are members of the 26 groups in the NPC. We aim to connect these women socially, professionally, and philanthropically by promoting the events of local alumnae chapters, in addition to hosting CIAPA events. We also aim to help young women from the Central Iowa area who are interested in joining the Greek system to become informed about the benefits of Greek life.

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Our Objectives

• Promote the sorority experience and interfraternity friendship and cooperation.
• Publicize the high ideals, purpose, and accomplishments of the fraternity system and improve the Panhellenic image through various public relations efforts.
• Inform fraternity women of current national trends in fraternity and sorority life.
• Stimulate interest in and participation of alumnae members in Panhellenic affairs.
• Support College Panhellenic endeavors through volunteerism.
• Further interest in community service and philanthropic efforts.
• Provide qualified students with financial assistance through scholarships or loans.
• Maintain files on potential new members for the reference of member groups.
• Sponsor joint summer informational events for prospective members in the Central Iowa area.

Our History

The chartering of the CIAPA in March 2015 continued a strong tradition of the Panhellenic Spirit in the Des Moines Greek community. From the 1950s until the early 2000s, the Des Moines Panhellenic Chapter spearheaded joint philanthropy events throughout the city for members of up to a dozen local sorority/women’s fraternity alumnae chapters in Des Moines. Fundraising for scholarships awarded to local high-school women entering college was a major purpose of the group. Popular fundraisers included an annual luncheon with a style show and the Panhellenic Holiday Craft bazaar.

Early in the 2000s the Des Moines Panhellenic Chapter was dissolved due to declining participation as a result of the many competing demands on women’s volunteer time. Although numerous individual alumnae chapters remained active, the combined Panhellenic events in the community disappeared.

In October 2014 alumnae representing seven local sorority/women’s fraternity groups met to discuss interest in starting an NPC Panhellenic Chapter again. Gauging there was significant interest, these women set about finding other NPC alumnae and inviting them to help with the organizing process. By the time the CIAPA was chartered by NPC on March 31, 2015, there were twelve charter member groups. Membership continues to grow as Greek women learn about the organization.

Since its inception, the CIAPA has focused on building its membership, connecting women through philanthropic and social events, and fostering cooperation throughout the Panhellenic groups. Because we have several state and private colleges/universities in the Central Iowa area, it is important to have an organized voice and presence in the community to model the many positive results for women who join Greek groups while on campus.

More than 60 women--including a 90-year-old alumna, recent grads, and women from every decade in between--attended our first big social event. We have members with a variety of collegiate experiences from schools all over the country. As we grow, we look forward to sponsoring additional activities, including Greek-information sessions for graduating high-school women, fundraising for scholarships, and increased community involvement.