of Zeta Tau Alpha
The Service Issue
Global service enhances student learning experience Zetas serve in the U.S. Armed Forces The importance of organ donation
Spring 2013 路1 Spring 2013
Winter 2013 · Vol 111 No. 2 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) 3450 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 872-0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org
STAFF Editor Ashley Martin Director of Education & Communications Heather Matthews Kirk, Delta Kappa Graphic Designer Haleigh Castino, Alpha Psi Contributors Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Susan Beard, Delta Psi Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Courtney Long, Eta Xi Executive Director Deb Ensor, Beta Gamma
NATIONAL COUNCIL National President Keeley McDonald Riddle, Iota Sigma Vice President Collegiate I Natalie Yingling, Delta Omega Vice President Collegiate II Lynn Compton Chapman, Alpha Nu Vice President Collegiate III Kristen Moeller Fauré, Iota Pi Vice President Alumnae I Dana Brasington Atkinson, Delta Omicron Vice President Alumnae II Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau
“…to think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world.” The admonition of our Creed is clear. Zeta Tau Alpha and each of our members must maximize our own personal potential while reaching beyond ourselves to touch the lives of others. Service and philanthropy have a logical connection with sisterhood. The word “philanthropy” itself comes from the Greek “philos” for love and “anthropos” for man—love for mankind! This is a natural fit for Zetas as we live our Creed. Service is a core value of ZTA and our members. It started with Founder Frances Yancey Smith who served as our first service committee chairman. Since 1928, with the establishment of the Curran Valley Health Center, national service projects have been a staple in ZTA. Each subsequent national project has been enthusiastically embraced by our members and enhanced by the local and personal outreach projects of our collegians, alumnae and chapters. There is evidence everywhere you look, from our Think Pink® initiatives to service at home and abroad, that Zetas are touching the lives of those “both within and without our circle.” Bertha Cruse Gardner, Grand President in 1928, noted that “if we could look into the future, no doubt we would see results greater than we dared to dream for the philanthropic work of Zeta Tau Alpha.” No doubt you will agree she was right. We can indeed see the efforts our members have taken to make a difference in our world and the lives of those we touch. We encourage Zetas everywhere to continue to be strengthened by our resolve to “learn the nobility of serving.”
Secretary-Treasurer Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma National Pahellenic Conference Delegate Laura Ladewig Mauro, Theta Psi Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad, Eta Iota
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Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Vice President of Philanthropy National President 1988-1992 Zeta Alpha
Table of Contents
On the Cover Zeta Tau Alphas are taking “our service to the world” as they embark on global service trips. Such trips, a popular trend in higher education, not only give students the chance to help others but develop their personal skills and intellect. See page 20.
Features 6
8
Installations — Zeta Tau Alpha was proud to reactivate the 21st link in our Chain of Chapters on Feb. 2 as the Reactivation Service for Upsilon Chapter was held at University of California, Berkeley. Collegiate Member Profile — Smitha Ganeshan might be young, but she is already a leader in service through her work with the Roosevelt Institute.
32 ZTA Foundation News — When it comes to Pink Out sporting
events, Zeta Tau Alpha excels at more than just football games. Each year dozens of chapters partner with campus gymnasitcs teams, hockey teams and more.
In This Issue 4 9 14 15 26 29 30 34 35 36 38 40
Letters to Themis Collegiate Chapter News Alumna Member Profile Alumnae Chapter News Organ Donor Feature Story MIS form Zetas in the Military NPC News FHC News Points of Pride From the Archives Take Charge. Think Pink.®
ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION President Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, Epsilon Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron Secretary Marty E. Sik, Alpha Chi Directors at Large Susan Beard, Delta Psi Dinah Helms Cook, Beta Omicron Jayne Ann Scoggins Hungate, Epsilon Jan Spradley McCarthy, Gamma Phi Kay McCoy McKelvey, Delta Delta Karen Farmer Mills, Gamma Iota Terri Dew Millsap, Alpha Nu Anne Petro Tamulaitis, Alpha Kappa Christine Stull-Walter, Gamma Chi Directors Keeley McDonald Riddle, Iota Sigma Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta
ZTA FOUNDATION President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Vice President of Development Deb Ensor, Beta Gamma Vice President of Philanthropy Sherry Server Tilley, Zeta Alpha Vice President of Scholarship Catherine G. Slaughter, Alpha Eta Vice President of Special Events Cynthia Byars Courtney, Gamma Tau Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dill Kreutzer, Eta Rho Directors Martha C. Edens, Beta Omicron Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma Keeley McDonald Riddle, Iota Sigma Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron
Spring 2013 · 3
Letters to Themis
of Zeta Tau Alpha
Winter 2013
How to take a stand against bullying at any age Chapter news “So You Think You Can Dance” 2013 · 1 finalist TiffanyWinter Maher
The winter 2013 Themis aimed to empower women to take a stand against bullying. The issue also featured a updated design, marking the first time Themis had received an official refresh since 2000.
I serve as director of media relations for the parent company of First Student, First Transit and Greyhound. In 2012, we were very involved with The Bully Project, which is directly affiliated with the movie “Bully.” We offered free transportation to students to see the movie in theaters. As a result of our partnership, I was invited to the White House for a private screening of the movie along with Director Lee Hirsch. I was so pleased to see your cover story in the recent edition of Themis. I shared the link with Lee and on the “Bully” Facebook page. It’s so important to see that being an upstander is crucial at every age.
Maureen Kaiser Richmond
Correction: On page 33 of the winter 2013 Themis, we listed the names of women who had received a White Violet pin commemorating their 75 years of ZTA membership during a 2012 Zeta Day celebration. Virginia Christian Koos, an alumna of Delta Chapter (Randolph-Macon Woman’s College) was inadvertantly left of the listing. and Lora Mae Ellingswoth of Beta Pi Chater (University of Oregon) was mistakenly listed as a 75-year member. We apologize for the errors.
Alpha Theta Purdue University
I get Themis sort of by mistake, as I am not a member of ZTA. Usually, I just toss the magazine with nary a thought, but this time was different. The cover photo caught my eye. The article “Bullying Stops With Me” was uniquely accurate, meaningful, intense and refreshingly inspiring. I write this to say I learned a great deal reading Ms. Martin’s article. I revisited my responsibilities as an individual, a husband and family man. I’ve made some upgrades to person, to mindset and to community upstander function. Skills and determination can surely come from surprising sources, if one is listening. I am thankful for the information and inspiration of the article. In closing, please also accept my assertion: ZTA ROCKS!
Mike Adams Kingsport, Tenn. 4 · Themis
Editor’s note: Mike receives Themis because one of our members moved and did not update her address with IO. Despite the clerical error, and with Mike’s approval, he will continue to receive Themis.
TOP TWEETED
@ZTAFraternity My favorite part of winter’s #Themis was the article about anti-bullying. Proud to see my sisters supporting a worthy cause!
Margaret Rojahn Iota Nu Susquehanna University
TOP POSTED
I love the new design and the thicker paper (for Themis). My favorite articles are the reactivation and installation ones! I love reading about how our fabulous Zeta Tau Alpha keeps growing and becoming a part of so many lives.
Kat Cornell Combs Delta Pi Eastern New Mexico University
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ORDER BY PHONE or ONLINE (317) 872-0540 store.zetataualpha.org Spring 2013 路 5
Installations
Upsilon Chapter reactivated Zeta Tau Alpha’s Chain of Chapters is the ultimate symbol of the Fraternity’s bonds of friendship and strength. The addition of each new link signifies of our growth, but the celebration of an existing link—through the reactivation of a chapter—is a testament to the longevity of the Founders’ ideals. ZTA was proud to celebrate one of its earliest links, the 21st, as Upsilon Chapter at the University of California, Berkeley was reactivated Feb. 2, 2013. “Every link in our Chain of Chapters stays connected to the other links forever,” said National President Keeley McDonald Riddle at the reactivation celebratory banquet. “Nowhere is that togetherness and interconnectedness experienced more clearly than the teamwork involved in reactivating a chapter.”
Jean Neri Riley, Upsilon Chapter’s president when it closed in 1969 (right), is finally able to pass the gavel to new president Keely Porterfield (left). 6 · Themis
Upsilon Chapter was originally installed May 14, 1915, and remained active until 1969. The Fraternity’s new partnership with Cal officially began in spring 2011 when, following an application process, ZTA was selected to colonize for the 2012-2013 academic year. ZTA Traveling Leadership Consultants arrived on campus in September 2012 to begin two weeks of public relations efforts. Later that month, potential new members attended infoview sessions with National Officers as well as recruitment events that culminated with a Bid Day celebration on Sept. 30. In the months leading to reactivation, the women completed the new member program, elected and trained officers, encouraged team building and friendship at a ropes course, participated in numerous campus and fraternity/sorority life activities, and focused on service. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the colony hosted a successful Think Pink® Dig Pink Day with the Cal women’s volleyball team and even helped the Oakland Raiders spread an oversized pink ribbon across the field before their “A Crucial Catch” game. “We have been blessed with an extraordinary and unique opportunity to make a lasting impression on our university, our Greek community, the city of Berkeley and our Fraternity,” said chapter president Keely Porterfield in regard to the chapter’s activities. “I am so excited to make a new start for Zeta Tau Alpha on the UC Berkeley campus and to start living and breathing our new sisterhood.”
While trying to come up with a conclusive link between my sisters, my Fraternity, my ideals and future, I kept returning to the foundation that this Fraternity is built upon—love. Keely Porterfield, Upsilon Seventy-nine women were initiated into the chapter during the Initiation and Reactivation Weekend (Feb. 1-2) by teams of collegians from Theta Phi (California State University, Fullerton) and Iota Eta (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) chapters. Thanks to continued recruitment success, an additional 28 members were initiated later in the semester. Keely was initiated Saturday afternoon, Feb. 2, prior to the Reactivation Service and Installation of Chapter Officers Service performed by Mrs. Riddle and Vice President Alumnae II Carolyn Hof Carpenter. All rituals were held at Hotel Shattuck Plaza. Upsilon Chapter’s Director of New Chapters Stephanie Rutledge Virag, Province President XIX-B Cindy Manual Calm, District President XIX-B Rebecca Fox and District President XIX-G Annamaria Pensavalle Ahern were also in attendance. During the celebratory banquet Saturday night, chaired by Liz Bozek Krohn and held on campus at International House, Mrs. Riddle
Installations
again spoke of the significance of the reactivation of Upsilon’s link. “Whether we have been initiated for less than 24 hours or more than 24 years, we will always remember the joy of joining something so much bigger than ourselves,” she said. “That joy is perhaps even greater for members whose initiation marks the rebirth of a link in our Chain of Chapters. Each of you now has the responsibility to take your lifelong commitment to heart for those who come after you, to be sure that your ties are never severed.” That lifelong commitment was evident in the support the new chapter has received from local alumnae. On top of providing recruitment assistance, mentorship and traditional reactivation gifts, three new ZTA Foundation scholarships—all created by
alumnae—for Upsilon Chapter were announced. ZTA District XIX-B created two of these scholarships, while Martha Miller Girdlestone, an Alpha Xi Chapter (Indiana University) alumna and longtime California resident, funded an endowed scholarship. Executive Director Deb Ensor also presented a $1,000 donation from the ZTA Foundation to the university’s scholarship fund.
that the loving bonds of sisterhood we build will be the most honest education any of us will ever receive. The education we will receive from working with and loving our sisters will change us into the people we are meant to become.”
As Upsilon Chapter continues to reestablish itself, such gifts of sisterhood will not go unnoticed. In her remarks, Keely reinforced that each new Zeta understands her responsibility to strengthen the chapter’s ties to each other and Zeta Tau Alpha. “Eleanor Roosevelt once said that ‘the giving of love is an education in itself.’ This I know to be true. One thing we can make sure of is
Upsilon Chapter members celebrate the reactivation of the 21st link in our Chain of Chapters. Initiation and Reactivation Services were held Feb. 1-2, 2013. A celebratory banquet also honored the chapter at University of California, Berkeley.
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Collegiate Member Profile
Service without bounds Smitha Ganeshan sets no limits. She doesn’t just take her skills and service opportunities to her college campus; she shares them all over the world. As a junior at The University of Georgia, Smitha has already done extensive work in the areas of public health and policy development. In fact, she serves as Director of the Health and Environmental Policy Center of the Roosevelt Institute, a student-run think tank that engages students to develop and campaign for progressive policies in health and medicine. As an anthropology major, someone who studies the “science of humanity,” Smitha has always been drawn to how policy making builds better communities. But it is hands-on service with those policies that she craves. Her work with the Roosevelt Institute and personal trips abroad allow her to have an even broader reach.
Smitha Ganeshan Gamma Pi The University of Georgia local and global servant
“It is so interesting to see the impact,” she said. “I like doing things and not just writing about them.” As a part of the Roosevelt Institute, she has had the opportunity to write and implement policies within Athens-Clarke County, Ga. In fact, one of her most memorable projects helped improve primary care services for uninsured patients in the county. Currently, she working to improve local vision services and advance the way guide dogs are treated and trained. Outside of her local community, through grants from the Roosevelt Institute, she also has traveled to England, Nicaragua, Greece, Costa Rica, Peru, India and more to work in or on policy development and public health. Many of her trips, like her most recent to South Africa over spring break, have required her organize her own service. “A lot of my trips have just been me reaching out to people in global health and medicine,” Smitha said. Because of her grants, these clinics have little to no monetary costs for her assistance and are usually glad to accept the help. As if Smitha isn’t busy enough, she also works for Lunchbox Garden, a food literacy and nutrition education program in local elementary schools in Athens. Her ZTA sisters even help with this endeavor often visiting the school with her. In fact, one of the reasons Smitha joined ZTA was because it focused on service. After graduation, Smitha hopes to seek a career as a physician policy maker, where she would be able to use all of her interests and care for patients while developing and implementing important policies. From her local to the worldwide community, it is clear to see Smitha’s impact truly has no limit.
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Collegiate News
Zeta The University of Tennessee, Knoxville How do three straight days of ZTA fun sound? Campus participants found out at the 3 Day for ZTA event hosted by Zeta Chapter. This was a philanthropy event that included a flag football tournament, balloon release and talent show which raised money for the ZTA Foundation. Theta Bethany College Theta Chapter is working to make its campus a better place. This year, it teamed with Phi Mu sorority to organize a program for all NPC groups focused on alcohol awareness and values-based recruiting. The program taught how to present such topics to new members. Sigma Baker University Sigma Chapter hosted mass media professor Kimberly Schaffer to speak to members about the risks of social media use and how to positively represent themselves, both individually and as a chapter, online. She also discussed the benefits and risks of personal social media sites in the job search process. Alpha Xi Indiana University Alpha Xi Chapter members are ready to jumpstart their campus involvement following a visit from MyINvolvement, a student service that connects students to campus groups and internships. Members also recently teamed up with Pi Beta Phi sorority to host a sexual assault workshop for members highlighting ways to handle risky situations.
Alpha Beta University of Pennsylvania Each semester, this chapter holds a Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner event at which members are randomly assigned to mystery groups not revealed until a few minutes prior to dinner. The mystery of the groups, getting to spend time with different sisters and superb food combine to make this event a treat for the chapter. Alpha Phi Northwestern University Panhellenic love runs deep at Northwestern University. Alpha Phi Chapter joined with Chi Omega sorority to organize a fundraiser for a Chi O sister battling cystic fibrosis. The women braved cold temperatures to sell wristbands this winter to raise funds for her lung transplant. Beta Gamma Florida State University Beta Gamma Chapter combines service and wellness with sisterhood. The chapter’s most recent sisterhood events included making cards for a local pediatric hospital and hosting a fitness class led by a sister who is a personal trainer.
Beta Iota Centenary College of Louisiana Beta Iota Chapter held its annual Big Man on Campus pageant in November. The show consisted of several rounds—casual wear, formal wear, swimsuit, talent, and a question-and-answer session. ZTA was the biggest winner in the end, raising $2,500 for the ZTA Foundation.
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Collegiate News donated school supplies to its new kindergarten friends.
Beta Nu New Mexico State University Beta Nu Chapter stays true to those within and without its circle. The women played a game called “I Love My Sister Who…” where they were able to get to know each other better by shouting a fun fact about themselves and seeing what other sisters shared that trait by joining them inside the circle. Beta Omicron University of South Carolina Chapter members were able to be kids for a day as they volunteered at a local elementary school. Zetas could be found in numerous classrooms reading, helping with Spanish lessons and even playing with specialneeds students. The chapter also
Gamma Zeta Mississippi State University Gamma Zeta Chapter is teaching members about ZTA everywhere they go. The chapter participates in the popular Throwback Thursday social media trend by posting facts about our Founders and history on Facebook each week. ZTA facts are also read at meetings and even posted in the bathroom stalls of the chapter house. Gamma Xi Indiana University of Pennsylvania The day after its fall formal, the chapter hosted a laid-back movie day in its suite. The day was also the perfect time to enjoy the pizza party it won from the university for having the most members in attendance at a football game. In fact, the pizza was delivered by a football coach, the athletic director and two players who stayed around to enjoy the pizza and get to know the chapter.
Gamma Rho Auburn University Gamma Rho Chapter sisters and their parents recently enjoyed a weekend full of fun. A Parents’ Formal gave everyone the chance to share a meal and enjoy father/daughter dances. A Mothers’ Brunch later that weekend also let members show appreciation for their mothers. Gamma Psi Texas Christian University ZTA women are strong and this chapter proved that by participating in Strengths Quest. This evaluation method teaches individuals about their personal strengths and how together, everyone’s strengths can build a better chapter. Members then used what they learned to work together and guide the chapter for the rest of this year. Delta Kappa Louisiana State University A group of 82 Delta Kappa Chapter members got a close-up view of the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, as they were chosen to participate in Beyonce’s performance
Gamma Iota University of Florida Gamma Iota Chapter gave a few families in Gainesville a reason to be thankful this holiday season. The chapter teamed up with Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity to host children from the Boys & Girls Club to make crafts and play games. The chapters also raised enough money to buy 50 turkeys for those families to enjoy on Thanksgiving.
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Collegiate News Delta Psi Samford University Inspired by the ZTA Chain of Chapters, Delta Psi Chapter made its own chain. Each member was given a paper link on which to write her name. The women then went around the circle sharing why ZTA means so much to her. They also learned that each individual member, or link, is important in keeping the chapter intact. and dance on the field in front of the stage. The chapter also gave back to the community this semester by collecting jeans to donate to local teens. Delta Pi Eastern New Mexico University Delta Pi Chapter combined food, fun and sisterhood by holding a potluck dinner at its chapter house. Afterward, they enjoyed an evening of laughter with potential new members by enjoying a guest comedian who was performing on campus. Zeta Gamma Youngstown State University Succeeding academically can be sweet, especially for Zeta Gamma Chapter members who are rewarded with Smarties candies for perfect attendance in class each week. They also receive a Hershey’s “kiss for good luck” on upcoming tests. As a result, the chapter was recognized for the highest GPA on campus for the fourth consecutive semester. Zeta Nu Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania The chapter introduced a new philanthropy event this spring called Bust a Move for Breast Cancer. This dance competition allowed groups and individuals to perform routines before an audience and judges. Money raised benefitted the ZTA Foundation.
Eta Kappa University of Central Florida The chapter shared its ZTA love by filling “love bags” with toiletries and other gifts to distribute to the homeless in the downtown Orlando community. The women also grew closer to one another during a sleepover, which included a night full of games, snacks and movies.
Eta Lambda College of Charleston This chapter likes to Think Pink® all year long. Each semester, it hosts a Pink Week with a variety of activities including a bake sale on campus to raise funds for the ZTA Foundation. This spring, the women will host a Pink Out game with the university baseball team. Eta Mu Georgia Regents University There have been lots of changes happening in Eta Mu’s campus community. After merging with
Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta State University has both grown and changed its name to Georgia Regents University. This semester, chapter members have been busy sharing ZTA with their newest classmates and enjoying the campus’ expanded facilities and opportunities created with the merge. Eta Sigma The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Eta Sigma Chapter introduced a new leadership activity with sophomores as part of the Links Member Enrichment Program. The group had members hold a white board while sisters took turns writing why that sister was a strong leader. At the end, they snapped photos of each woman with her board. Eta Tau The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Eta Tau Chapter scored big at its powder puff football game with the UNC Charlotte football team. The football players cheered on the ZTA football teams made up of current members and a team of alumnae who came back to enjoy an afternoon of football and fun. Theta Nu Auburn University at Montgomery This chapter makes a point to place an emphasis on leadership Spring 2013 · 11
Collegiate News development. During a recent meeting, members practiced their leadership skills by discussing hypothetical situations as groups and the ways to react and handle them. Theta Omicron Baylor University Theta Omicron Chapter visited a local Build-A-Bear Workshop to spend an afternoon with sisters while crafting bears to donate to a clinic that provides counseling and gifts for atrisk children. Theta Psi Texas State University-San Marcos Inspired by creations found on the social media site Pinterest, Theta Psi Chapter recently enjoyed a relaxing Sunday afternoon by turning its chapter room into a spa. The women used household items to make homemade beauty products including eyelash serum and beach wave hair spray. Iota Alpha Robert Morris University “Survey says…” that Iota Alpha Chapter knows how to have fun. The
chapter recently held a Family Feud sisterhood event at which teams competed in a game show to answer funny and interesting trivia. Iota Delta Towson University Iota Delta Chapter got the entire campus involved in its recent fundraiser. At the end of the month, instead of wasting their leftover dining money from their university meal plan, the chapter worked to give all students the option of donating the money to the ZTA Foundation. This Donate-a-Meal Day was in conjunction with campus dining services and a huge success. Iota Iota Fairleigh Dickinson University Iota Iota Chapter keeps strong ties with a local nursing home. As in years past, chapter members visited in December to decorate holiday cookies with residents. This spring, the chapter also held its first Pink Tie Ball at the home—a formal dance for residents and chapter members.
Iota Pi University of Dayton The chapter took time to unwind before finals by hosting a Yoga night led by a member who is a certified instructor. Members also stretched their public relations muscles by creating a new Instagram account and blog (http://zetataualpha-iotapi. tumblr.com/) to keep members, parents and alumnae informed. Kappa Zeta Clemson University Nothing says school spirit like sporting events and tailgating. This year, Kappa Zeta Chapter teamed with two other groups to sponsor a speaker about safe tailgating. The campus police chief was even on hand to answer questions about specific tailgating concerns.
Iota Rho East Carolina University Iota Rho Chapter has made sisterhood a priority this year. At one recent sisterhood event, chapter members enjoyed a Zumba lesson taught by one of their own sisters. This fall, they also enjoyed brunch and a ECU football game with their families as part of their Parents’ Weekend activities.
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Collegiate News Kappa Omega Saint Louis University Chapter members lent a helping hand to their community by taking part in Saint Louis University’s annual Make a Difference Day. At Carondelet Gardens Urban Farm a few miles from campus, the women helped prepare flower beds for winter while learning “the nobility of serving.”
them hands-on insight to ZTA’s service.
Kappa Omicron Merrimack College In its 10th year, Kappa Omicron Chapter’s Think Pink® Auction was better than ever. This year, everyone got a chance to win with a new feature called Pink Me that allowed attendees to purchase a pink ribbon with a number on it for $25. Each number corresponded with a surprise gift, including a Coach wristlet, Celtics tickets, gift cards and more. Kappa Rho University of South Carolina Upstate Kappa Rho Chapter made a personalized, philanthropic donation this year by making a quilt for a local woman fighting breast cancer. During recruitment, each potential new member decorated a quilt square that was used to make the quilt, giving
Kappa Sigma University of South Florida Transition to life after graduation can be tough, but Kappa Sigma Chapter wants to make it a little easier for its members. This winter, it hosted alumnae to set up different stations around the chapter house where members learned résumé writing skills, interview tips and how to dress for an interview. Lambda Alpha Sacred Heart University Lambda Alpha Chapter shines bright with its monthly alumna spotlight program. Each month, an alumna comes to share her ZTA experience and what Fraternity life is like after college to help chapter members learn how Zeta is Forever.
with two other groups to clean and repair an old church while making some new friends in the fraternity/ sorority community. Lambda Zeta Lehigh University This year, Lambda Zeta Chapter implemented several new Links Member Enrichment programs. Sophomores worked with a campus professional on communication and accountability exercises. Juniors spoke with a young breast cancer survivor, while seniors partnered with Alpha Phi sorority to host a selfdefense workshop.
Lambda Epsilon Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Lambda Epsilon Chapter made use of its day off of class by participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at IUPUI. Members teamed up Spring 2013 · 13
Alumna Member Profile
If a blog could change your life For many people, writing a blog is merely an entertaining form of self-expression. Blogs can range from an online diary to a collection of your favorite cat photos— the possibilities are endless. But for Phi Chapter (Duke University) alumna Allie Mak, reading and writing blogs is much more than hobby, it has changed her life. Like many college students, while at Duke, Allie struggled with the demands of schoolwork and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With the help of numerous blogs about healthy foods and exercise techniques, she began to make changes to her life. Then in 2009, she started her own blog, livelaugheat.com “After about two years of reading blogs, I just decided to start my own,” Allie said. “I had so many ideas I wanted to share. I wasn’t very happy in college and I wanted to have an outlet where I could connect with other people, support others and have others support me, too.”
Allie Mak Phi Duke University healthy living blogger
What started out mainly as a food journal, chronicling how a college student can find and afford healthy meals, Allie’s blog began to change after graduation. After receiving a high-end digital camera as a gift and getting into food photography, livelaugheat.com has morphed into a source for women to appreciate healthy food, whether making it themselves or finding it in a restaurant or store, and balancing nutrition with exercise. “It’s all about what food does for you: how it nourishes your body, fuels you for exercise and makes you feel better,” she said. “What’s developed in my journey with the blog the last few years is an appreciation for food that’s good for you, food that tastes good.” This appreciation for women’s health has even lead Allie to opportunities outside of the Internet. Earlier this year, she and 10 other bloggers were chosen as ambassadors for Nature Made, a dietary supplement manufacturer, and to travel to Los Angeles to learn more about the company and the vitamins it creates. She has also learned valuable lessons about marketing, web design and social media. “I didn’t know it at the time, but my blog has become my résumé as an entrepreneur,” she said. But not every online résumé is intended to serve others. With anywhere from two posts a week to two posts a day, Allie’s main goal for the blog remains to encourage women to live healthy lives. “What I am passionate about is helping other people, inspiring others to live a health life, eat well and exercise,” Allie said. “I want people to see my blog as a positive place. It’s about enjoying life and being happy. For me, those things happened when I started living a healthier life.” So in the same way blogs once helped her find her way, Allie is now changing others’ lives, one click of the mouse at a time.
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Alumnae News
Sacramento California This year, the chapter planned a “new-fashioned” slumber party. While members didn’t actually spend the night, women came to the meeting in their pajamas and prepared snacks whose recipes were found on the social media site Pinterest. San Fernando Valley California San Fernando Valley alumnae enjoy sharing their ZTA love with collegiate sisters. This winter, the chapter made almost 100 bags of Valentine treat for Theta Omega Chapter (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona). Bags included delicious, homemade cookies and Valentine’s Day cards.
South Orange County California This chapter knows the importance of sisterhood and our ZTA colors. At a recent trip to Color Me Mine, a pottery painting studio, members created fun art pieces, specifically in turquoise and gray. Not only did they have a great time together, each left with a specialized keepsake.
Athens Georgia It’s a ZTA masterpiece! Members of Athens Chapter attended a private painting event at which each woman had the chance to replicate a piece by a local artist. This particular painting was created to reflect the journey of sisterhood and included ZTA colors and white violets.
Northwest Florida Florida This chapter was re-established last year and has hosted a number of events to keep members involved. In fact, the chapter gave each woman a ZTA passport at the beginning of the year and provides a sticker each time she attends an event. In May, the chapter will use the passports to recognize its most loyal members.
DeKalb County Georgia DeKalb County Chapter hosted an Our Favorite Things party where each member brought her favorite food to exchange and share. Items included homemade tomato soup, gardengrown salsa, chocolate chunk cookies and more. Leftovers were taken to an Atlanta homeless shelter.
Tampa Florida Once a month, members of Tampa Chapter hold a Flicks ‘n Food Trucks sisterhood event. On these nights, the women visit some of the most popular food trucks in the Channelside District before a night at the movies.
Southern Atlanta West Georgia This new chapter likes to combine sisterhood and brainpower as members regularly gather for Trivia Night at a local restaurant. The outings have helped members get to know one another better through the exchange of stories about how they know each answer.
Clearwater Florida This January, the chapter held a special 90th birthday party for its member, Mimi Cox Burley, complete with a cake decorated like a crown. The women also hosted a “re-gift party” where members swapped unwanted or funny items they received over the holidays.
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Alumnae News Chicago Northwest Suburban Illinois Chicago Northwest Suburban Chapter recently had a DOVE chocolatier visit its meeting, and the company’s chocolate expert discussed new ways in which to include chocolate in recipes. Members also celebrated the Chinese New Year with a special dinner out on the town. North Shore Illinois This year, members combined holiday spirit with service. In a program with Barnes & Noble bookstore, the women provided gift-wrapping services in exchange for donations. The store even let the chapter display Think Pink® banners and hand out pink ribbons and stickers to customers. Columbus Indiana Columbus Chapter extended sisterhood outside of its circle during a special brunch with both the Franklin, IN and Beta Theta (Franklin College) chapters. The women also
hosted an auction where they were able to share handmade baked goods, craft items and more.
Evansville Indiana Community service is important to the Evansville Chapter. Each year, the women volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House to make meals for families staying there. The women recently made several different meals, some of which could be frozen for families to enjoy at any time. Louisville Kentucky This alumnae chapter ended 2012 with a blast. The women visited Louisville Glassworks, a locally-
owned glass blowing factory where each woman learned about the process and created her own piece of glass art. Northshore Louisiana Northshore Chapter offers a little something for each of its members. Crown Connections groups like DivaZ Dine on the 9s and Play DateZ let women enjoy sisterhood in different ways, including meeting up for dinner or spending time with their children. The chapter also hosted a bowling night with area collegians. Northern Maryland Maryland For the third straight holiday, the chapter participated in Shop with a Cop with the Baltimore County police. After shopping with a police officer for gifts for their families, local public school children enjoyed breakfast and gift-wrapping with the ZTA alumnae.
Fort Wayne Indiana Fort Wayne Chapter has hosted its Holiday Marketplace fundraiser for several years, but this year, the women “accessorized” it, so to speak. Various home jewelry party vendors attended and brought record crowds to the event. It even sparked a story on the local news.
16 · Themis
Alumnae News Detroit Metropolitan Michigan January in Michigan can be dark and cold, so the Detroit Metropolitan Chapter hosted a special spa night to brighten its members’ spirits. With nothing on the agenda but eating comfort food, enjoying massage chairs and games of euchre, everyone enjoyed the night of relaxation and sisterhood.
Northeast Mississippi Mississippi These alumnae love spending time with Gamma Zeta Chapter (Mississippi State University). In March, teams of collegiate and alumnae Zetas participated in the 5K Glo for Haiti Run, a glow-in-thedark run on campus. The women also helped with Gamma Zeta’s Late-night Cinnamon Roll fundraiser. Southern Nevada Nevada Southern Nevada Chapter raised money for the ZTA Foundation in a unique way this winter. During its $ave Your Pennies meeting, members met at a local library where guest speakers from Mass Mutual Financial Group presented on financial planning. With the spare change members were asked to bring to the meeting and a donation from Mass Mutual, the chapter raised more than $2,000 for the ZTA Foundation. Mercer-Bucks New Jersey This January, the chapter hosted a girls’ night at its president’s home. Each member came in her pajamas
and enjoyed the movie “Pitch Perfect,” snacks and friendship. It was the perfect way to relax after a stressful holiday season.
New York City New York These alumnae know how to take advantage of the great things their city has to offer. This winter, the women embarked on a holiday tour of the city, complete with window display viewings, the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree and Columbus Circle’s Holiday Market. Charlotte North Carolina Charlotte Chapter gave its members the perfect excuse to try new recipes found online during its Pinterest Potluck dinner. The women enjoyed
a variety of dishes ranging from vegetarian pot pie to spicy macaroni and cheese. Most importantly, it gave members the time enjoy a meal with their ZTA family. Winston-Salem North Carolina Traveling the World has been the theme for the Winston-Salem Chapter this year. Each month, its meetings and dinners highlight a different country. At one event, members “traveled” to the Louvre in Paris, and with the help from an instructor, painted their own masterpiece. Cleveland-East Ohio One of the chapter’s favorite events each year is its Candy Cane Luncheon. This holiday season, the guest list was even open to members’ husbands and children. Each person received his/her own gingerbread house to decorate. Cleveland-West Ohio Thanks to a little creativity from its members, the chapter saw a huge Spring 2013 · 17
Alumnae News Lancaster Pennsylvania Following ZTA Convention this past summer, the Lancaster Chapter had fun while presenting information its members learned. To help every member feel like she was a part of the Convention experience, they were asked to wear derby hats and even enjoyed Louisville’s famous hot brown sandwiches.
increase in the number of Yoplait® lids it collected for Save Lids to Save Lives® by placing collection bins in locations throughout in the community. During the holidays, members also donated hats and gloves for the needy. Dayton Ohio Along with local alumnae chapters from Alpha Sigma Alpha, Kappa Delta and Sigma Sigma Sigma, the Dayton Chapter enjoyed a Farmville Four Luncheon at a local café. The event not only let members celebrate ZTA history, but the importance of Panhellenic sisterhood. Toledo Ohio As two Zetas competed in the 2013 Miss America pageant, Toledo Chapter hosted a pageant of its own. During a Miss America viewing party, chapter officers competed in various pageant competitions, including a talent portion which featured cooking and knitting. Toronto Ontario, Canada These ZTA sisters north of the 18 · Themis
boarder enjoyed a special holiday together when they visited The Gardiner Museum for ceramic arts. On display was a collection of trees with an Around the World theme. Afterward, the women had lunch at a restaurant run by renowned chef Jamie Kennedy. Northeastern Pennsylvania Pennsylvania This winter, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter helped the city of Scranton Think Pink® as it hosted a Pink the Rink event with the local AHL professional hockey team, the Wilkes-Barrie/Scranton Penguins.
Steele City Pennsylvania The Steele City Chapter has begun hosting monthly sisterhood lunches in downtown Pittsburgh to allow its
working-professional members the chance to enjoy chapter activities. In November, it also volunteered by sorting clothing at Dress for Success, an organization that provides work clothes for disadvantaged women. Chattanooga Tennessee Chattanooga alumnae enjoyed an evening of the arts during its annual painting party. With their mothers, family and friends, the women painted ornaments, plates and mugs at Cynthia Howell, a store in the city’s trendy Northshore District. Collin County Texas The chapter added a new spin to its holiday gift exchange by turning it into an auction. Each wrapped gift came with hints of what was inside in order to entice members to bid on it. All money raised went toward creating a scholarship through the ZTA Foundation. Dallas Area-Night Texas These Zetas are organized. At a recent meeting, members visited The Container Store to learn tips for
Alumnae News home closet organization from store associates. The women also cooked meals for Zeta Sigma Chapter (The University of Texas at Arlington) during recruitment.
Lubbock Texas Lubbock Zetas said, “Bon appétit,” during its French cooking demonstration and tasting led by member Karen Gikas Jacobsen. The event was hosted at the Gamma Tau Chapter (Texas Tech University) lodge and offered step-by-step instructions for making a four-course meal. Midland Texas Each holiday, Midland alumnae reach out to local collegiate Zetas in town over winter break through a Mother/
Daughter Tea. Alumnae, collegians and their mothers enjoy homemade treats and collect gifts for a shelter for domestic violence victims. Tyler Texas Chapter members braved the cold this holiday season as they served as bell ringers for the Salvation Army outside of a local pharmacy. The women also hosted its first Letters to Santa fundraiser for the ZTA Foundation. For $5, the chapter would write personalized letters to children postmarked from the North Pole. Salt Lake City Utah This January, chapter members collected baby items including clothes, diapers and wipes for House of Hope, an emergency shelter for families run by the United Way. It has also hosted craft events, sledding and pizza nights as a way to incorporate members’ children into events. Virginia Peninsula Virginia For the second year, Virginia Peninsula Chapter collected food for
a local pantry. The 56 pounds of food donated was used to fill backpacks for students whose only substantial meal comes when they are at school. The women love making a difference in their community. Western Fairfax Virginia Chapter members enjoyed a night on the town as they met for dinner and a performance by the Little Theatre of Alexandria. This special performance was advertised by the local Panhellenic, and several regional ZTA alumnae chapters were in attendance. Seattle Washington Seattle Chapter recently hosted a special event for Psi Chapter (University of Washington) in which ZTA alumna Lynnea Watts Paddock shared her experience fighting breast cancer. Crown Connections groups also offer members the chance to experience a variety of activities, including trivia nights, book clubs and walks around local lakes.
Dallas Association Texas At a meeting this winter, Dallas Association held a flower arranging class for members. A local florist provided all necessary items and offered expert advice. Each woman was able to take her creation home and use it as a holiday centerpiece.
Spring 2013 · 19
Think
Globa & Serve Others By: Ashley Martin, Editor
Yourself
During the summer of 2012, Chloe Hobgood (Kappa Upsilon Chapter, Georgia College & State University) spent two weeks volunteering with a group called Orphan Aid in Liberia. To say Chloe was nervous to travel to the impoverished African country was an understatement. With little to no experience interacting with people from outside the United States, she had no idea what to expect, what to say to the locals, or frankly, if she would know how to say it, with English being one of 30 languages spoken by the Liberian people.
with me for the rest of my life and one that has ultimately changed my life.”
But something amazing happened on one of the first days of Chloe’s trip as her bus rounded the corner, heading toward the schoolhouse her group would be serving for the first time. She could hear, in harmony, the voices of 100 beautiful children singing, welcoming the visitors to their land. As her bus stopped and before her feet could even hit the ground, two small hands grabbed hers, ready to lead her to the party. In an instant, Chloe’s fears and anxiety melted away as she was surrounded by the Liberian culture.
The increased number of these trips has even helped spur the commission of studies by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NALUGC) on the benefits of creating global citizens. One such study in 2007, “A National Action Agenda for Internationalizing Higher Education,” listed the desired learning outcomes for study and service abroad students: • A diverse and knowledgeable world view • Comprehension of the international dimensions of their major field of study • Ability to communicate effectively in another language • Understand the importance of and exhibit
“In that moment, I felt nothing but complete and utter joy,” she said. “That is a memory I will carry 20 · Themis
Service learning trips such as Chloe’s can be organized through churches, mission organizations, and now more than ever, colleges and universities. In fact, internationalizing the student experience is a popular trend in higher education. On top of the traditional study abroad programs, universitysponsored service trips abroad are helping to enhance the student learning experience.
al Mackenzy Martin (Eta Alpha, Georgia Southwestern State University) is one of many Zetas who been on a global service trip. According to studies, trips like Mackenzy’s to Rwanda aid students in their learning experiences and preparedness for life after college. “It really changes your outlook when when you step in the shoes of a person from a different part of the world,” she said. Spring 2013 · 21
Peyton Cramer (left), Sofia Silver (third) and Olivia Trzepacz (right) of Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin) joined other students on a trip to Nicaragua.
sensitivity and adaptability in cross-cultural communications and groups experiences • Experiences outside the U.S. • Continued global confidence In a world where travel and communication with those from across the globe is increasingly easier than ever before, a student’s knowledge of and adaptability to different people and cultures is vital. These globally competent students will be better able to meet the needs of an informed society both as citizens and professionals. By talking with Zetas like Chloe who have been on such trips, it is easy to see how each of these outcomes has helped them learn and prepare for life after college.
A diverse and knowledgeable world view “If you are unaware of what’s going on outside of your own area, how can you help those in need?” Alpha Psi Chapter (University of Missouri) member Allison Franks asked this question when talking about how her recent trip to Ghana has changed her outlook on the world. Her trip to the African country ended up providing her with more than just a needed health sciences credit at Mizzou. During the two weeks she was there, she was able to inform locals on proper hygiene and disease prevention techniques and leave with a greater appreciation for this new culture, living conditions, and the people and their way of life. Megan Gonzalez, a Kappa Eta Chapter alumna who now works at her alma mater, Rockhurst University, 22 · Themis
recently led a group of students on a spring break trip to Guatemala. Each night of the trip, the students were asked to write reflections about their experiences from the day. From these, she was able to see how each day her students’ views had changed. “The purpose of the trip is really for everyone to learn,” Megan said. “To work in solidarity with the people there and to come back more educated about the people and culture. It was great to see the students go in and to originally think, ‘Wow, these people are poor,’ but as the week went on, they realized the people there have so much: happiness, love, pride. Seeing this allowed the students to realize how they were similar to the people there. It allowed them to learn about themselves and the biases and judgments they have as individuals.”
Comprehension of the international dimensions of their major field of study Like study abroad programs, many global service trips are geared toward helping students gain experience in their field. Whether studying medicine, animals, education, language or more, service trips can provide greater learning experiences through in depth, hands-on experience. Sofia Silver (Kappa Chapter, The University of Texas at Austin) is one of those students. Along with two other Zetas, she traveled to Nicaragua with a student group called Global Brigades to bring medical care to many of the country’s rural areas. On the trip, she was able to take patients’ vital signs, help diagnose problems and work along physicians in a triage center. As a college sophomore, most of those experiences are not available to her in volunteer or learning
opportunities at home in large part because of the United States’ healthcare regulations. “I wanted an experience like this to kind of set me apart from other students,” Sofia said. The experience also opened her eyes to the different types of medicine she could practice. Wanting to go into neurobiology, her experiences with the Nicaraguan children made her decide to take a pediatrics focus to her education. It was not until she was able to see the children understand and replicate her instructions in their daily lives that she realized working with older children could have a lasting impact. “I had been thinking about doing neonatology, which is with newborns,” Sofia explained. “But going there and interacting with the kids, I realized what I love about kids is that they can interact back with you.”
Language skills While English is considered one of world’s dominant languages, according to National Geographic, the number of people who speak it as a native language is declining thanks to large population increases occurring in underdeveloped, non-English speaking countries. This, coupled with our ever-expanding technological reach, makes the study and practice of new languages vitally important. “The first day was the hardest, not knowing what to say or how to interact with the patients when I did not speak their language,” said Abigail Amrine (Iota Pi Chapter, University of Dayton) of her medical mission trip to Panama. “By the end of the trip, I had learned a few phrases so I could ask patients to open their mouth to take their temperature or to ask if I could take their blood pressure.” Even in the United States, the knowledge of second language is becoming more and more practical. In fact, the 2010 Census revealed almost 20 percent of Americans do not use English as their primary language at home. Spanish, at more than 60 percent, is the most common of the non-English native language spoken in the U.S. According to linguistic George Weber, on top of English, knowing French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Mandarin will make a person more employable.
Ability to understand the importance of and exhibit sensitivity and adaptability in cross-cultural communications and group experiences While learning a foreign language is important, truly communicating with someone is more than the words
coming out of your mouth. It is the ability to work with someone and build a familiar relationship in order to gain true understanding. Katie Lockee was one of the Zetas from Rockhurst University who traveled with Megan on the universitysponsored trip to Guatemala. For her, one of the most important days of her trip was the first—a day for the group to sightsee, shop at the local markets and become immersed in the community before actually serving it. “I think having that free day to observe really helped us in our work,” Katie said. “Once we realized how the Guatemalan people lived, it was easier to see where we wanted to make changes.” “The trip wasn’t just about going and doing hard labor, it was about the entire experience of getting to know the people of San Lucas,” Megan reiterated. During Allison’s trip, she too had the chance to communicate with others in a different way. As part of her trip, one of her tasks was to make bricks to be used to build a new medical clinic. Working alongside the Ghanaian people, she was able to into interact with them, see their work ethic firsthand and learn why her group was there to help.
Experience other cultures “I don’t think a person can fully understand themselves and the world if they haven’t experienced the world around them,” said Allison Martin, the other Rockhurst Zeta who recently traveled to Guatemala. “It is important to experience different cultures to expand our views.” For many students who travel abroad to under-developed areas, the main cultural difference they expect to see when they embark on their journey is different living conditions. But for many, as time goes on, they realize that culture is not about the conditions and more about the attitude of the people. “It’s a very big culture shock,” said Mackenzy Martin (Eta Alpha Chapter, Georgia Southwestern State University) of her trips to Rwanda. “I went from having everything imaginable to being in a place where people are dying of disease. It’s very emotional, but the thing is, they are happy. They are happy to be living the life that they are.” It is this realization on top of the service and language experiences that help to create global citizens, those who recognize and appreciate cultural differences, but do not judge based on them. In fact, many students find some aspect of the new culture to try to keep with them. Spring 2013 · 23
Katie, like many other students who take global service trips, did not realize the cultural impact until she returned home. Her culture shock coming back to the U.S. is what hit her hardest. She vividly remembers coming back to the Atlanta airport and having to take a seat, overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the other travelers. “It just wasn’t what we had experienced in the last week,” she said. “In Guatemala, you live on Guatemala time and if things don’t happen your way, it’s fine. It’s reminded me to live life more freely and to be more gracious.”
Continued global competence According to the NALUGC report, globally competent students continue to value their international understanding throughout their lives and are more likely to make it a lifelong endeavor. Whether they—like Allison, Chloe, Mackenzy and Sofia—plan to return abroad or not, the lessons they have learned about culture and service will remain. “My trip has amplified my desire to serve,” Katie said. “I’m not expecting to go out and serve 10 hours each week or to go replant trees. I can serve others every day by doing little things that someone may not have time for or know how to do. I can even serve others by being a better friend.”
“Guatemala made me realize I can’t be too busy for service. There is always time to help someone else,” Allison Martin said. These women have also learned that the true gift of service is education and that the best way to help someone less fortunate is to teach them how to sustain positive change on their own. Higher education institutions and organizations may need reports such as the NALUGC’s to fully see the value of global service, but each of the Zetas mentioned in this article serves as a physical representation of those six learning outcomes and our Creed’s calling “prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served.” These women can tell you firsthand the impact their experiences have had on their lives. Take Chloe for example. As the singing children whisked Chloe into their school at the beginning of her trip, she was immediately a new person. “I’ve opened my mind to the possibilities. I’ve opened my heart to service and it has been truly life changing,” she said. “I have a whole new appreciation for the world and the people around me. We have the potential to save the world, we just have to get out there and see it first.”
Since February 2011, Kappa Eta Chapter at Rockhurst University has sponsored Estela through the Christian Foundation for Children & Aging (CFCA). As part of this sponsorship, chapter members have become Estela’s pen pals and send money throughout the year to provide necessities such as clothing, food, school supplies and medical needs. This spring chapter members Abigail Martin and Katie Lockee, along with alumna Megan Gonzalez, had the opportunity to meet Estela while in Guatemala. With the help of CFCA, Estela and her mother were able to spend the day with the Zetas playing games and taking trips for ice cream and to the park.
24 · Themis
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A sister’s ultimate gift When asked to describe herself, Jaime Jacobi (Zeta Xi Chapter, Georgia Southern University) sounds like any ordinary college woman. She likes to spend time with friends, read and shop. She dreams of one day obtaining a master’s degree in special education. But when she says she’s family-oriented, for Jaime, that devotion is anything but ordinary. This past summer, Jaime selflessly gave her then 16-yearold brother, Jake, the greatest gift he undoubtedly will ever receive—the gift of life; the gift of her own kidney. Jake was born with just one kidney, one that was never fully-functioning. The Jacobi family always knew the need for a kidney transplant would be inevitable, so in November 2011, when the doctors said it was time, Jamie didn’t hesitate to be tested to see if she was a match. “Jake was on the transplant list, but the wait was four years,” Jaime said. “If his condition were to get worse before they found a match, he’d have to go on dialysis. We all wanted to get tested right away so we could avoid that. It’s a good thing we did because we had the transplant in June (2012), and he was cutting it pretty close.”
“I never thought twice about it,” Jaime said. “It was something I needed to do.” On top of the kidney, there were more things Jaime had to give up in order to be the donor. In addition to the obvious risks of surgery, she will now always be at a greater risk for high blood pressure and diabetes. She can also never again take certain medicines, like over the counter pain pills. And while exercise is important to her recovery, lower energy levels have prevented her from doing too much too soon. “At first, I’d walk to the mailbox then have to go inside and take a nap,” she said. “I am tired all the time, and it can take up to a year for my body to get used to the change, but I’ve slowly been building that back up. It really is a major lifestyle change.” There was a time, however, that Jake’s recovery didn’t go quite as smoothly. For roughly 17 days following the
It took four months and strings of tests before they found out both Jaime and her mother were donor matches. Even then, it took some convincing for her parents to let Jaime be the donor. “When she approached us about doing it, we initially said no,” said Lori Jacobi, Jamie and Jake’s mother. “We did not want to create a second kidney patient in the family. She made some valid points on why she should be the one to donate, but when she said that she felt very led by the Lord to do this, we finally gave in. She’s always been willing to go the extra mile to help anyone, but it never occurred to us that she would want to give up one of her organs.” 26 · Themis
Zeta Xi Chapter (Georgia Southern University) collegian Jaime Jacobi and her brother Jake have a special bond. In June 2012, Jaime became Jake’s kidney donor.
transplant, doctors feared his body was rejecting the new kidney. Additional surgeries corrected the issues, but not before leaving the family, and Jaime in particular, with stress and worry. “I remember I had trouble looking at Jake and talking about everything with him because I felt so horrible that my kidney could not come through for him,” she recalled. “It was a hard feeling to accept that all of that could have been for nothing.” As one can imagine, this experience has brought Jaime and Jake closer than many siblings. Although Jaime, the second of three daughters, and Jake, the youngest child, have always had a special relationship. “She has always had a special bond with Jake, since he is the only boy,” Lori said. Before the surgery, Jaime was not able to visit with Jake—as a teenager he was in a children’s hospital while she was in a regular hospital across the street—but she was overcome with the need to talk with to her brother. Instead, she wrote him a note to read right before he was put under anesthesia. This letter, which their parents have never read, even traveled with Jake during the subsequent surgeries to fight the rejection. “He has been very close-lipped about the letter,” Lori said, “but I watched him as he read it, and I could tell by the look on his face he was very touched by it. Whatever Jaime wrote is obviously very important to him.” “It said how proud I am of him and reassured him that everything will be ok—that we were in this together,” Jaime said. Now both on their way to recovery, it is sometimes hard to believe this transplant took place less than one year ago. Jaime is continuing to work toward her education degree and serves as Zeta Xi Chapter’s Vice President II/New
Jamie Jacobi is all smiles before giving the greatest gift one can give— the gift of life. In fact, she encourages everyone to become an organ donor. “It’s the greatest thing possible. It’s worth it.” Member Coordinator. Jake is back at school and, for the first time, qualified for the state meet as a member of his high school swim team. “Every time I see Jake, I think of how proud I am of him because he is by far the strongest 17-year-old I know,” Jamie said. Doctors say that as a living donor, those surgeries are the only ones where the donor gets nothing out of it—the donor is a perfectly healthy individual having something taken away from him or her. But Jaime, the generous sister, says what while no one can see a physical difference in her, what she has gained from the experience—the peace of mind, the stronger bond with her brother—is far greater than any missing kidney. “I have gotten everything from this surgery and more.” Spring 2013 · 27
Organ Donors Life Florida website where one can register to be a donor. By April 19, Donate Life Florida’s annual awareness day, the Panhellenic organization with the most sign-ups received a donation to its own philanthropy. Seventy percent of Beta Gamma Chapter members also registered. Delta Gamma Chapter (High Point University) member Victoria Buck also had a very personal reason to host a bone marrow donor drive on her campus. In November 2010, her mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood and immune system cancer. As part of her treatments, a bone marrow transplant is needed.
Victoria Buck (left) registered 140 students for the bone marrow registry by hosting a drive on her campus. High Point University president Nido R. Qubein and the Panhellenic community supported her.
Within the past year, several Zeta Tau Alpha Chapters have been advocating for organ donation. Every day, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant. In order to help more of these patients find their match, two of collegiate ZTA chaptes have been working particularly hard to spread the word about the benefits of donation and register their peers as donors. Last spring, Beta Gamma Chapter (Florida State University) member Lynn Gomez lost her life in an automobile accident. As an organ donor, within five days of her death, Lynn saved eight lives. As a way to honor Lynn’s memory, Beta Gamma Chapter started an organ donation campaign to help even more people in the wake of a tragedy. Partnering with Donate Life Florida, this April, the chapter asked friends, family and the Florida State Panhellenic community to change their Facebook profile pictures to one supporting organ donation and to link to the Donate
28 · Themis
Though it only takes a simple cheek swab for someone to join the National Bone Marrow Registry, it does cost Be The Match, the organization that runs the registry, $100 to add each new member. While joining the registry is free to registrants, it is suggested that they make a $100 donation to the organization to offset costs. In an effort to alleviate the financial stress and register fellow students on the High Point campus, Victoria hosted her own fundraiser and registration drive. Through BeTheMatchFoundation.org, she raised more than $3,000, and on Feb. 14, in an event co-sponsored by ZTA, she gathered swabs from over 140 students. A typical drive registers 75 people. “It was a remarkable day with a lot of help and determination from the school, my sisters and friends to find a match for my mom and many other patients that need one,” Victoria says. “Even if they were weary of getting a swab at first, at the end of the day, they did everything they could to support my mom and many others in need.” For more information on becoming an organ and tissue donor or hosting a drive, visit organdonor.gov and marrow.org.
Membership Information Sheet
COPY THIS PAGE TO SUBMIT YOUR MIS FORMS TO CHAPTERS BY REGULAR MAIL Voluntary Membership Information Sheets (MIS) from alumnae help ZTA collegiate chapters identify potential new members. Using this form and other resources found at www.zetataualpha.org/MIS, you can recommend outstanding women for membership. On this website, you will find additional MIS forms, instructions and the addresses for where to send forms for each collegiate chapter. You can even complete the MIS entirely online!
FIND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR SUBMIT FORMS
ONLINE AT:
www.zetataualpha.org/MIS
Please type or print in ink. Chapter:___________________________ Potential Member’s Name:______________________________________________________ Potential Member’s Home Address:______________________________________________________ High School: ______________________________________________________ Graduation Year:__________ Grade Point Average:__________ Grading Scale (4 pt., 5 pt., etc.):__________ Parent or Guardian’s Name: ______________________________________________________ Potential Member is a (please check one): New Student Returning Student -- GPA:__________ Transfer Student -- School Name:______________________________________________________ Check one: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Activities/Honors in School: __________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Volunteer Work:_________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Information on Potential Member: _______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Potential Member’s Interest in Zeta Tau Alpha: Affiliations: ___________________________ ZTA Legacy:__________ Relationship:__________ Other Greek Affiliation: ______________________________________________________ Do you know Potential Member personally? Yes No If no, source of information: ______________________________________________________________________________ For this Potential Member, I would like to (please check one): Highly Recommend Recommend Provide Information Only Other: Your Name:___________________________ I am an/a: Alumna Collegian Collegiate Chapter: ___________________________ University: ___________________________ Your address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Your email address:___________________________ Your phone: (____)____-______ Your signature: ______________________________________ The following is required if a collegian is submitting this form: Alumna Signature: ______________________________________ Alumna Phone: (____)____-______ Spring 2013 · 29
Zetas in Milita wear the standard military ID bracelet for war workers. Instead she wore a gold ZTA bracelet, given to her by Omicron Chapter (Brenau University) during its 1911 installation that had her full name and address engraved on the inside. This bracelet is now a part of ZTA’s Archives and picutured below.
Maragret A. Brewer
Dr. May Agness Hopkins
Bravery. It’s not one of Zeta Tau Alpha’s official core values, but one could make a case for it. Over the past 114 years, ZTA women have helped lead the charge for women’s rights, courageously proving women have the determination and skill to build a better world. We have been leaders in areas such as education, science and service—including service to one’s country. In fact, Zeta Tau Alpha has a storied history of military service. Did you know that during almost two years of her term as ZTA Grand President, Dr. May Agness Hopkins served in France as a U.S. military doctor during World War I? Elected as our third Grand President in 1908, Dr. Hopkins received her medical degree in May 1911, a rare achievement for a woman at the time. As she was called to service near the end of the war in 1918, ZTA granted her a leave of absence from her presidential duties. According to The History of Zeta Tau Alpha, “A fine sense of courage, duty and self-sacrifice marked her entrance to war service.” While overseas, the U.S. designated geographical areas into zones, and Dr. Hopkins was the only female M.D. to be made a zone chief, placing her in charge of all hospitals and clinics in that area. Always showing her love for ZTA, Dr. Hopkins chose not to 30 · Themis
Another important Zeta, Maragret A. Brewer, had the honor of becoming the U.S. Marine Corp’s first female general officer. The Alpha Gamma (University of Michigan) alumna joined the Marines in 1952, serving in a variety of roles in recruiting, training, personnel management and public affairs before being named brigadier general in 1978. This appointment, a first for a woman, was specially made by President Jimmy Carter with congressional approval. Zeta Tau Alpha named Gen. Brewer as Outstanding Alumna in 1984 in recognition of her trailblazing military service. Unfortunately, this pioneer passed away in January at the age of 82. As we celebrate her life, it has provided ZTA with the opportunity to honor all of the sisters who continue the tradition of serving our country. While International Office does not keep records of our members’ occupations, these eight women responded to callout on ZTA’s social media accounts for members who serve in the military. Zeta Tau Alpha would like to thank all of the Zetas who serve our country at home and abroad as well as those who are wives, mothers and siblings to our soldiers.
n the
ary Olivia Baxter Alpha Psi (University of Missouri) Missouri Army National Guard; first lieutenant I think that Zetas pride themselves on being honorable, and that is the biggest value I take away from the military.
Rachel Munchbach Clouser Zeta Mu (Jacksonville University) Navy Reserve; commander *Currently stationed in Bahrain I knew from a very young age I wanted to be around the sea. The Navy paid for college and then commissioned me as a Surface Warfare Officer. As a SWO, I had the privilege to be in charge of a U.S. Navy warship at sea, which was a dream come true!
Corinne Dalgarn Kappa Phi (Christopher Newport University) Army; specialist The best part of being a service member is meeting people I would never have gotten the chance to meet. These people, battle buddies, help me grow both personally and professionally.
Sherri Ann Fazzio Iota Psi (Rochester Institute of Technology) Army; joint task force executive officer *Currently stationed in Honduras “In ZTA, we carry ourselves with dignity and respect and honor those before us. We are taught to be leaders in our communities, to be true and to give our service to those in need. This is a perfect match with the Army’s values in building honorable character. They both teach us to become a dutiful citizen to our country.”
Mary Beth Schauer Griswold Alpha Nu (Birmingham-Southern College) Air Force; colonel (retired) My favorite part of being a service member has been experiencing diverse people and cultures and learning to appreciate them for their contributions to our national philanthropy.
Jamie Gurganus Eta Sigma (The University of North Carolina at Pembroke) Air Force; captain I look back on how ZTA and Air Force pulled me out of my shell, challenged me, held me accountable for my actions and how I grew as a woman, as a sister and as a military member. Joining ZTA and the Air Force were two opportunities that changed my life.
Cara Hughes Beta Delta (Miami University) Army Reserve; specialist My first semester of college (and before I joined ZTA), I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere despite having an amazing group of friends. My grades also didn’t reflect me the way I wanted and I felt like I needed to get back on track. Without telling my friends or my mom, I enlisted in November 2009.
Bryanne Moore Peterson Theta Chi (George Mason University) Army; staff sergeant While I was in Iraq, I was part of rebuilding a country. I actually got to “think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world.” I got to live our values. Spring 2013 · 31
Foundation News
Pink Out with Zeta Tau Alpha “Just do what you do best.” Those words were spoken by famed professional basketball coach Red Auerbach. He was referring to athletes on the court, but Zetas apply this same principle to each of their Think Pink® and Pink Out sporting events. What is it that ZTA does best? Members spread breast cancer awareness and educate women and men about breast health. While our work with the NFL is the athletic partnership many people take note of, several collegiate athletic departments have joined in on the trend, partnering with ZTA on ribbon distributions, survivor recognition, fundraising and more. From soccer to gymnastics, chapters across the country have covered numerous sporting events. For example, this January, Nu Chapter (The University of Alabama) helped the Crimson Tide’s gymnastics coach, 2012 ZTA Convention initiate Sarah Patterson, as she hosted her annual Power of Pink gymnastics meet.
for women in West Alabama. Nu Chapter also spent the week prior to the meet promoting breast cancer awareness by hosting other Think Pink® events, including painting a local storefront with a pink cityscape. Jessie Patterson Jones, Nu Chapter’s program council advisor and Sarah’s daughter, commended the work of Zetas in helping to make the meet a success. “Nu Chapter’s involvement with the Power of Pink is something to be proud of,” she said. “In my first year as a new member of ZTA, we partnered with Alabama gymnastics for the first pink meet. To have watched this partnership continue to grow has been amazing.” Gymnasts are not the only ones filling an arena with pink. The Rochester Institute of Technology ice hockey team partners each year with Iota Psi Chapter for its Make the Rink Pink event. T-shirts and jerseys are auctioned, and fans trade school
colors for pink. The team even wears pink uniforms and helmets. RIT Ice Hockey Operations Coordinator, Jeff Siegel recognized the great team that ZTA and RIT make in bringing awareness to college athletics fans. “We look forward to every chance we get to work with Zetas,” he said. “The work that ZTA does in making “Make the Rink Pink” a success is phenomenal year in and year out.” These two schools, and many others, do not limit their Pink Out games to just one sport. In fact, ZTA chapters across the country have hosted Think Pink® games for multiple men’s and women’s teams including, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball, field hockey, lacrosse and track. As we head into another sports season, this fall keep your eyes out for stadiums, athletes and fans as they Think Pink® with ZTA.
The 2013 meet marked the ninth annual Power of Pink event as it lit up The University of Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum with pink floodlights and pink leotards. A sell-out crowd wore its brightest pink clothing and accessories with more than 100 Zetas on hand to give out pink ribbons and breast health information. Over the years, Power of Pink has raised a total of $1.35 million for the DCH Breast Cancer Fund, including a $25,000 donation this year from the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, to help with early detection and treatment 32 · Themis
On Jan. 25, The University of Alabama women’s gymnastics team with the help of Nu Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha hosted a Power of Pink gymnastics meet to raise awareness about breast cancer. Similar events are held across the country as ZTA chapters partner with collegiate athletic departments to Think Pink®.
Foundation News
The sweet scent of service Gamma Iota Chapter (University of Florida) is bringing back a tradition that has touched many lives throughout the chapter’s history—that of creating and sending potpourri sachets to women fighting breast cancer.
Lorin Demaio Rodman, Gamma Iota Chapter alumna.
For many years, during philanthropy round of formal recruitment, ZTA members and potential new members made sachets, which are small, cloth, scented bags filled will potpourri and other aromatic ingredients. The craft and purpose behind it made for interesting and powerful recruitment conversation about philanthropy.
Over time, the tradition faded as the chapter picked up new philanthropic activities to fill its schedule. However, Gamma Iota is now bringing the sachet tradition back after receiving requests from ZTA alumnae breast cancer survivors who remembered creating the sachets during their collegiate days.
“We sent them to women who had a mastectomy because it was a very feminine thing to send during a process that doesn’t make a woman feel very feminine,” said
“We are excited to get this started again and bridge another gap between alumnae and collegiate members,” said chapter president, Kathryn Jesaitis. “It is a way to remind the
After recruitment, the bags were gathered and sent to alumnae and friends of chapter members after their mastectomy surgeries.
alumnae that ZTA is in fact forever and their sisters, even those years younger, will be there for them during an extremely difficult time.” While the chapter has already sent out serveral sachets, it is currently compiling a list of sisters in Florida and other Gamma Iota alumnae who are going through breast cancer treatments. They hope to plan a sisterhood event involving the entire chapter in the assembly of sachets to send to alumnae in need. Kathryn noted that the chapter is extremely motivated to bring back this special tradition. “We are all excited to be able to make a difference in these women’s lives as they have paved the way for us to be in such a wonderful chapter and organization.”
Committee member passes If you have ever attended a ZTA Convention, you most likely met Ann McMaster Kemmer. Her infectious personality greeted every attendee as they passed the ZTA Foundation’s fundraising booth, now called Crown Town. As a member of the Foundation’s scholarship committee since 1989, Ann played an integral role in supporting our members’ education. Unfortunately, ZTA lost this incredible sister Feb. 5, 2013, when she passed at the age of 77. To honor this Zeta Chapter (The University of Tennessee, Knoxville) alumna, the Foundation has created an endowed scholarship in her name.
“Ann was a very special member of the ZTA family,” ZTA Foundation President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan said. “As a member of our scholarship committee for 24 years, there is no better way to honor Ann’s memory than to continue her passion to develop strong, intelligent women.” To create a ZTA Foundation scholarship, visit zetataualpha.org/ scholarship for more information and to download remittance forms. Donations can also be made the ZTA Foundation general scholarship fund at zetataualpha.org/donate.
Ann McMaster Kemmer ZTA Foundation Scholarship Committee
Spring 2013 · 33
NPC News
Extending Panhellenic love The installation and reactivation of ZTA chapters is a team effort. Not only do ZTA National Officers, Traveling Leadership Consultants, and nearby collegians and alumnae contribute, the Panhellenic community at each school is a vital player in the process. When ZTA joins a campus, it is a priority for both ZTA and the local College Panhellenic (CPH) to become true partners in integrating the new chapter into campus life. From day one, the entire Panhellenic community is supportive and excited for the opportunity to help. This cooperation has been evident at each campus in which ZTA has extended in recent years. Tiffany Kirkland, Panhellenic president at University of California, Berkeley, feels that CPH’s involvement occurs in three main phases, starting with answering questions and educating chapter members about ZTA. “We served as the eyes and ears for ZTA,” said Whitney Beale, Panhellenic
president at Longwood University during Alpha Chapter’s reactivation. This included educating students about ZTA and recommending women to go through ZTA’s recruitment. Phase two includes reaching out to CPH to teach us about the campus and its Greek culture. Learning this information is a main goal for ZTA in every extension effort. In fact, at Cal, the TLCs were given the opportunity to meet with fraternity and sorority presidents, recruitment chairmen, the PHC executive board and many others to ask questions and get an overall sense of the Greek community’s values. Phase three is recruitment and includes efforts from public relations to hosting events. CPH officers serve as a vital resource in this process by answering questions for ZTA consultants, reserving rooms for events and more. Panhellenic organizations continue to support ZTA in our extension process
long after installation. Chapters work hard to include ZTA into the existing Greek community by inviting and cohosting events with them. “Since colonization, Cal Panhellenic has done its best to reach out to ZTA and include them in events right off the bat,” said Tiffany. Whitney agreed chapters have been welcoming to ZTA at Longwood— especially the other Farmville Four groups who share a special bond at the school where each was founded. “I know that the other three Alpha Chapters at Longwood are looking to do a Day of Service with ZTA after its installation. They are all a big part of the history here,” Whitney added. All NPC member groups were founded on similar values, like friendship and sisterhood, which lends to cooperation, not competition, when a new group comes to campus. It is through the extension process one truly can see how the fraternity/ sorority community and fraternal partners can be each other’s biggest supporters. “It’s really exciting to see ZTA come back to campus and see everyone welcome them with open arms—not just sororities, but also our fraternities and National PanHellenic Council organizations,” Whitney said.
Each time Zeta Tau Alpha opens or reactivates a chapter, we rely on the support of other Panhellenic sororities to make our transition to campus easier. 34 · Themis
The next time you hear about another NPC group opening a new chapter, remember to take pride in our unique Panhellenic cooperation and sisterhood.
FHC News
FHC annual meeting recap Like all well managed corporations, the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation makes its most important decisions through informed discussion and careful deliberation. That process played out March 7-10, 2013, as the 16 officers and directors of the FHC met at International Office in Indianapolis to review 111 allocation requests from chapters with FHC-operated/ managed properties. “The allocation process is essential to the success of the Fraternity Housing Corporation,” said FHC President Julia Marthaler Hill. “We have to look at each chapter’s needs and requests and help our members have safe, secure housing and the best ZTA experience possible.” During the four-day meeting, each board member presented requests from the house associations she supervises, sharing photos, estimates, decorating samples and long-range plans. Allocation requests range from largescale redecorations to major capital improvements and infrastructure repairs. Directors exchange past experiences and suggest methods and materials that have succeeded in other facilities. What began in 1977 as a two-day meeting now spans four days, and is accompanied by plenty of coffee, snacks and sisterhood.
lengthened the meeting to be sure we make unrushed and wise decisions about our chapter homes.” Major allocations approved during the recent meeting include bathroom and kitchen renovations, extensive decorating upgrades, security improvements, and heating and cooling repairs and replacements. In the next academic year, the FHC will also finish a new home for Zeta Chapter (The University of Tennessee, Knoxville), update and refurnish rental facility for newly-reactivated Upsilon Chapter (University of California, Berkeley), and assist newly-reactivated Zeta Omicron Chapter (Arkansas State University) as it moves into a new university-owned house.
a fire sprinkler system this summer. “Installing fire sprinklers is an extensive endeavor, especially in older homes, but it is important for us to keep our houses up to code and ensure that in case of an accident, everyone is safe,” Mrs. Hill said. “We are proud that in just a few years, we have been able to equip our homes with these lifesaving systems.” Without question, maintaining the financial stability of the corporation and the quality of our facilities is a huge undertaking. The FHC annual meeting and allocation process plays a key role in ZTA’s continuing leadership position in fraternity/ sorority housing.
A major point of pride for the FHC is that one of its oldest facilities, the home for Alpha Gamma Chapter (University of Michigan), will receive
Each spring, the ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation meets to review all allocation requests from FHC member house associations. Such requests include largescale redecorations, major capital improvements and infrastructure repairs.
“In earlier years, the FHC tried to review all the requests in two days. As the number of member house associations grew, the board found itself deliberating into the wee hours of the morning,” Mrs. Hill said. “So, as we have grown, we have Spring 2013 · 35
Points of Pride 1. This holiday season, the Tri-Cities, VA Alumnae Chapter collected socks and scarves for those staying at a local homeless shelter. 2. Alpha Upsilon Chapter (Oklahoma State University) members danced the night away during a formal event at the Tulsa Aquarium. 3. Think Pink® Week for Theta Zeta Chapter (Wofford College) was a huge success in 20122013. For the first time, the women hosted a pink fashion show. 4. Rachel Robillard, director of sisterhood for Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin), feeds a dolphin during a recent sisterhood event at SeaWorld San Antonio. 5. Fort Worth, TX alumnae shared sisterhood and the holiday spirit during the chapter’s annual winter party.
1 3
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36 · Themis
5
Points of Pride
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6. Four Delta Sigma Chapter (Lamar University) members spent an afternoon hosting a sisterhood photo shoot to show off their friendship and love for ZTA. 7. Kansas City Metro Chapter alumnae enjoy each other’s company during sisterhood events out on the town. 8. Theta Eta Chapter (Stephen F. Austin State University) members have their names added to the Screaming Strawberry signs, which recognize the chapter’s most spirited members at intramural events. 9. Creativity flows through the members of the Research Triangle, NC Chapter during an outing to a local painting studio. 10. El Paso, TX alumnae put together goodie baskets for Gamma Gamma Chapter (The University of Texas at El Paso) before final exams. Spring 2013 · 37
From the Archives
Become a ZTA archivist By Susan Beard, Delta Psi Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Archives Committee Co-Chairmen One of the great joys of being the archivists for the Fraternity is the ability to spend time reading through the many documents in our collection at International Office. Reviewing the letters, telegrams and papers of early Zetas gives us an extraordinary look into how ZTA’s path was shaped. You do not have to be a member of the national archives committee to have this same experience or to take part in preserving Zeta Tau Alpha history. In fact, almost all of the items in our Archives came to us in the form of donations from ZTA chapters and members across the country. That means before items are sent to us, they are on display or stored in
your chapter facility or own home. So before we can make sure our Archives are in pristine condition, preservation efforts must start with you. At the chapter level, there are many things that can be done to archive the important documents and artifacts for each of the links in our Chain of Chapters. Most likely, your collegiate chapter has a storage closet, cabinet, trunk or drawer where archival items are stored. Alumnae chapters might have a box or file that becomes the property of each new president or historian-reporter. Regardless of where items are kept, there are some important archival techniques chapters should know for the preservation of these items. In today’s digital age of emails, Instagram photos and texting, many of the important things your
chapter does may not be physically represented by a printed document. This makes it very easy to lose large pieces of chapter history. It is imperative chapters save, both on paper in some form of electronic storage, copies of important documents and photographs. These files can be easily saved on a thumb drive to be passed down to new officers each year following elections. Printed documents can even be scanned and saved to it. Copies of the drive can also be shipped to International Office for safekeeping. We encourage chapters, both collegiate and alumnae, to send items to the Archives that represent chapter activities. Flyers, posters, newsletters, photos—these are the kinds of items that are easily thrown away but become such important pieces for future generations to review. Digital storage is very important, but keeping physical items is as well—museums would be empty without actual pieces of the past. When beginning to implement archival methods in your chapter, scrapbooks are often the place to begin. Take a look at the condition of the books. What is their condition? Are the books falling apart? Are they crammed in a cabinet, drawer or storage closet? Will those scrapbooks still be in good condition for your chapter’s 100th anniversary celebration? If the answer to that last question is no, it is vitally important to begin preservation. These books, even
Proper archival techniques are important for International Office and individual chapters. Any important papers, scrapbooks, photos and memorabilia should be kept in special archival boxes like the one shown. 38 · Themis
Themis READER’S GUIDE those just a few years old, will one day be of great value to our future Zetas. Here are the best ways for you to archive these scrapbooks and other printed documents. • Clear out each of the storage cabinets or shelves where your chapter’s archives are kept. Take an inventory of items and group them in chronological order or by artifact type. • Purchase archival boxes with moisture resistant coatings, which can be found at craft stores or online, and label them. • Wrap books in acid-free tissue and place acid-free interleaving paper between each page. Place photos and papers in acid-free albums or plastic sleeves. • Place all preserved items the archival boxes for safe and organized storage. Oversized composite photos sitting in basements or storage closets can be taken out of their frames and put into large plastic sleeves. These sleeves can then be placed onto print storage racks for easier storage and display. These supplies can be found at many art stores and online. Another great way to archive old composite photos is to make them into a coffee table book. The large composites can be taken to a photo shop, scanned and saved in a more manageable size. Some chapters may already have composites in smaller sizes as many photographers will include them in their photo packages so each member can have her own copy. Small photo can be combined into a handmade coffee table book, or digital copies of the photos can be
made into books using sites such as Snapfish.com or computer program like iPhoto. An important thing to remember when preparing your chapter’s archives is that you should not laminate any paper documents. Until the 1960s this was a popular method of paper preservation. While lamination does make paper easy to handle, it also accelerates the destruction of the original papers. Removing old plastic laminate is virtually impossible without ruining the paper. In fact, digitizing all of ZTA’s laminated items is a major focus for our national Archives. Unfortunately, many of the items collected by Shirley Kreasan Strout, our national historian from 1922 to 1957, were laminated with the best of intentions but are now deteriorating. Other chapter artifacts such as trophies and silver tea sets are valuable pieces of chapter history. Make sure these items are stored properly and cleaned or polished on a regular basis. Other items such as jewelry and event T-shirts can be saved, put on display or sent to International Office. There are many great ways for us all to preserve ZTA history. As the archives committee, we are always willing to answer questions about proper storage and materials and to help in create plans for safe placement of historical items. Each of us can do our part to preserve ZTA history by becoming an archivist through these tips.
Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, the official publication of the Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1903. HOW TO MAKE AN ADDRESS CHANGE In the Sisters Only section of www. zetataualpha.org, select “Update Information and Privacy Settings.” You can also email changes to zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org (subject: Address Change) or call IO at (317) 872-0540. Parents, while your daughter is in college, her magazine is sent to her home address. If she is no longer in college and not living at home, please send us her new permanent address. HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS All Zetas are encouraged to submit news to Themis. All submissions become the property of ZTA and are subject to editing. Include full names and chapter information. Photos must be roughly 1 MB (1,024 KB) or larger to be printed. Send all news and photos to communicationsdept@ zetataualpha.org. Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) is published quarterly by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1334. Subscription: $2 per year. Single copies: $.50. Periodical postage paid in Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America. Postmaster: Send address changes to Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference. © 2013 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Spring 2013 · 39
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