The Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Kappa sorority was suspended by the national Sigma Kappa organization in 1956, apparently because it accepted an African American student as a member. It continued to operate as the local sorority Chi Gamma while attempting to resolve the issue with the national organization. Finally, Chi Gamma returned its charter and severed ties with the national Sigma Kappa in 1958. Four years later, Chi Gamma merged with the Cornell chapter of Chi Omega and became part of the national Chi Omega organization.

Priscilla Gage Specht graduated from Cornell in 1949.