ETA ETA CENTENNIAL

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Eta Eta Centennial at Pittsburg State University

By: Vanessa David, DK , director of alumnae engagement

On July 10, 1920, Ida Jewitt, national vice president; Rosamond Root, ΑΒ and ΑΒ advisor; and Catherine Strouse, EE and EE advisor; conducted initiation services for 12 women at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, creating the Eta Eta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Almost 100 years later on February 21 – 22, 2020, more than 250 members attended the 100th anniversary celebration at Pittsburg State University.

The weekend began Friday evening with an informal gathering at a local establishment, “The Pitt” in downtown Pittsburg. Eta Eta members had a fantastic time catching up with one another over light hors d’oeuvres.

The festivities continued into Saturday with a campus tour of Pittsburg State University. Thirty sisters gathered on a Pitt State athletic bus to learn about recently developed buildings from tour guide Jon Bartlow, director of alumni relations. Members continued the tour by visiting the Eta Eta Chapter house, where alumnae enjoyed reminiscing and visiting their former rooms.

Members were also able to support HH alumna, Sydney Ward Anselmi, who owns Audacious Pittsburg on N Broadway Street in downtown Pittsburg. Throughout the centennial celebration weekend, AΣA members could enjoy a 25% - off discount while shopping at Audacious Pittsburg.

The celebrations carried into Saturday evening with a formal banquet to recognize 100 years of accomplishments, memories and sisterhood for Eta Eta Chapter. After a social hour where members could peruse Eta Eta photos and memorabilia, the banquet’s welcome remarks were provided by PSU President, Dr. Steve Scott. Alumnae and collegians appreciated listening to a history of Eta Eta, culminating with celebrating eighteen HH women in attendance who had been members of AΣA for 50+ years.

National president Kelly McGinnis Beck was in attendance to present the chapter with a 100-year proclamation on behalf of national council. Kelly also presented a proclamation on behalf of national council to recognize Brenda Rua Chappell, who has served as an advisor to Eta Eta Chapter since 1977.

A special thank you to the planning committee led by

Diane Yencic James (HH ), Brenda Rua Chappell (HH ), Andrea Chappell Bennett (BΣ), Tresa Miller (HH ), Tara Marr Horenik (HH ), Makenzie Fankhauser (HH ), Kyra Fankhauser (HH ) and Katie Crawford (HH ).

Eta Eta Fun Facts

In the past 100 years, Eta Eta has:

Initiated more than 2,200 women

Received the Crown of Excellence Award 5 times and the Four-Star Chapter Award 22 times

Had thirteen women travel as consultants for the Sorority

Had one national president: Diane Yencic James from 1988 – 92, who also co-founded the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation

Top Left: All attendee group photo

Top Center: (from L to R) Becca Brown, Tori Spitaleri, Sutton Jung and Ali Storm

Top Right: (from L to R) Diane Yencic James, Brenda Rua Chappell, Kelly McGinnis Beck and Andrea Chappell Bennett

Bottom Left: The Eta Eta Chapter House

Bottom Right: (from L to R) Mary Jo Schulte Jackson, Koeta Dunham Bryant, Carol Plucinnik Allen Gorenc, Nancy Morin Bishop, Linda Roemerman Walker, Gail Leeper Campbell and Mary Ann Dernovish Forbes.

Mary Jo Schulte Jackson, who was initiated in 1956, was the longest initiated member in attendance celebrating 64 years of membership.