Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
Spring 2012
HIRE ME ps on how ti e r a h s s ta Ze yourself e k a m d n a to network earch s b jo r u o y stand out in
From Where I Sit
Our network of sisterhood By Keeley McDonald Riddle, ΙΣ National President In the last issue of Themis, we highlighted the opportunities Zeta Tau Alpha gives us to “ever enrich and ennoble our lives.” The stories showcased how the Fraternity has fulfilled lifelong dreams and given us the tools we need to learn, grow and serve our communities. One opportunity we didn’t touch on—until now—was the network of sisters your membership provides. As a collegian, one of the most undervalued aspects of ZTA membership is the connection we have to thousands of Zetas outside of our own chapter. You may see them at Zeta Day, National Leadership Conference or Convention, but it can be hard to grasp how much these women, regardless of their age, chapter affiliation and background, have the desire to help you succeed. As each of us transitions into the alumnae world, it is important to remember this powerful network of sisters, especially as you look to begin your career. Take Beeta Mojahedi for example. In December 2010, this Theta Omega Chapter alumna graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Unsure of her plans, she joined the San Fernando Valley, CA Alumnae Chapter because she was “very involved in my collegiate chapter, and it seemed like a good thing to do.” During her very first alumnae meeting, she was introduced to Rondi Werner Redmann, the chapter president at that time, and the two talked about Beeta’s civil engineering degree and career goals. With a laugh, Beeta mentioned her dream job, to work for Walt Disney Imagineering, never imagining Rondi would be able to help. But as it turned out, Rondi was an “imagineer” herself. Overwhelmed by the interest and generosity Rondi showed her, Beeta began to work with her new alumna friend to
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strengthen her resumé and secure an internship with Walt Disney Imagineering. Now a full-time imagineer, Beeta is fulfilling her dream, developing site infrastructure for a new Disney park. “I never in a million years thought I would join a sorority, join an alumnae group and then get my dream job that way,” Beeta says. “I definitely encourage everyone to use your Meredith Harris Braselman (center) hired Zetas Emily Allman (left) and Alison Ward (right). ZTA sisters as your first point of networking. It surprised me how much Rondi was willing to help me when she didn’t even know me. But as I continued to be involved in the alumnae chapter, it has become so easy to see how we all make one another a priority.” So what is it about this network of sisterhood that makes us so eager to help each other, even if we’ve never met? It’s our shared ZTA values and experiences that allow us to develop an innate trust in all of our sisters.
Beeta Mojahedi (left) found her job with Walt Disney Imagineering through Zeta Rondi Werner Redmann.
Meredith Harris Braselman, a Delta Lambda Chapter alumna (Georgia State University) and current ZTA Supervisor, understands this trust firsthand. Over the past six years, she has helped five ZTA graduates find jobs with her employer, O’Keeffe & Company, a marketing and public relations agency in Alexandria, Va. When asked why she recommends so many Zetas, Meredith says, “It comes down to the fact that we all received the same training and development as undergraduates. Zetas leave college with a fantastic skill set that includes leadership, communication skills and goal setting. I find that when I recommend my sisters, they always step up to the challenge.”
To help strengthen our network, this spring, I encourage each of us to remember the opportunities we have to help our fellow sisters. Collegians, reach out to your advisors and other local alumnae and make a point to join an alumnae chapter wherever you find yourself after graduation. Alumnae, take the time to get to know one another and lend a helping hand whenever possible. You never know where your network of sisters will take you or what it can provide for you. From landing your dream job to simply providing a friendly face, thousands of sisters are out there waiting to help you. All you have to do is find them.
Themis Spring 2012 • Vol. 110 No. 3 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120)
Contents On The Cover Of all the challenges that come with adulthood, finding a job can be one of the most difficult. In this issue of Themis, we highlight how you can make yourself stand out in a crowd of candidates and how cultivating new and old relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and even ZTA sisters, can provide you with a network of reliable resources to help you on your way to your to landing your dream job.
Editor Ashley Martin Director of Communications Christy Marx Barber, ΑΨ Graphic Designer Haleigh Castino, ΑΨ Contributors Keeley McDonald Riddle, ΙΣ Natalie Owens, ΒΘ Susan Beard, ΔΨ Patricia Cords Levitte, ΒΦ
Features Please send all photos and text to: Zeta Tau Alpha, Attention: Communications Department, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Submissions can also be sent via email to: communicationsdept@zetataualpha.org Submissions become the property of ZTA. 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: $2.00 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 Editors Conference. © 2012 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Zeta Tau Alpha.
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Installation News - Lambda Iota Chapter was installed at Vanderbilt University on Saturday, March 24, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. The chapter’s 100 new members were initiated into ZTA during the Initiation Service held on Friday, March 23. Alumnae News - Alumnae membership provides Zetas with the opportunity to serve their communities, aid collegiate chapters, learn new skills and celebrate sisterhood. Discover some of the great things ZTA alumnae chapters have done in the past year to prove that Zeta Is Forever.
News - Donations to the ZTA Foundation help 21 Foundation the Fraternity fund a number of educational and service projects. Through a special spread, learn just how your donations are used to advance the Fraternity, our members and the community.
All The Rest 2
From Where I Sit
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Alumna Profile
4
Letters to Themis
29
Extra Extra
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Job Hunting
30
From the Archives
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MIS Form
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Directory Spring 2012
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From Our Readers
Letters to Themis Dear ZTA, Recently, our chapter, Eta Phi (Illinois State University), received a handwritten letter addressed to Zeta Tau Alpha. When we opened the letter, to our surprise it was from a retiree at the Evergreen Place Nursing Facility in Bloomington-Normal, Ill.—our chapter paid a visit there on Valentine’s Day to give them cards and to play Bingo throughout the afternoon. The letter stated:
Dear Themis, Krystin Jones wrote a very interesting article in the winter 2012 Themis, “Second chance to be a ZTA,” and I wish her the best and congratulations to her. I was saddened to read that Alpha Chapter at Longwood University was closed. I remember visiting Longwood in 1992 with my daughter and was very impressed with the founding members’ memorial and the history of Zeta Tau Alpha that was on display at that time. As a Zeta, it was special to visit the location of Zeta’s first chapter. Like Krystin, will the Alpha Chapter be given a “second chance”? I hope so. Jean McCollum Hurt Delta Gamma Chapter High Point University Editor’s note: On Feb. 14, 2012, Zeta Tau Alpha and Longwood University announced that ZTA will reactivate its Alpha Chapter. Following Longwood’s Formal Recruitment in spring 2013, ZTA will begin the process of recolonizing the chapter. For more information, visit www.zetataualpha.org.
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“Dear Sisters, first, thank you for the valentine you brought the Evergreen Place. I was so surprised when I saw Zeta Tau Alpha. I was a Zeta ’42-’46 in the chapter at Millikin in Decatur, Ill. The name “Zeta” always brings back good memories to me, and I hope it will for all of you. You’re welcome at Evergreen Place anytime. Thanks again, S’Monne” This letter proved to us that a sisterly bond will always be present whether you have been friends before or are just getting connected through Zeta Tau Alpha. We are excited to start a relationship with S’Monne and so grateful she reached out to us. Zeta Love, Kayla Kaczmarek Eta Phi Chapter Illinois State University
From Twitter (@ZTAFraternity) Editor’s note: Zeta Tau Alpha and the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation are proud to support the advancement of the fraternity and sorority community. ZTA recently funded educational grants to the Association of Fraternity Advisors’ Advance U: Thinking Differently,
Working Differently web professional development series and provided conference scholarships for Association of Leadership and Fraternal Values (AFLV) programs. Along with Alpha Chi Omega and Pi Kappa Phi, ZTA also sent posters to college campuses to educate on how time, amount and strength impact the effects of alcohol. Thank you @ZTAFraternity for providing this opportunity! Ready to start #thinkingdifferently #workingdifferently #AdvanceU Tracy Machtan Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Indiana State University A HUGE thanks to @ZTAFraternity for their support in making #AdvanceU free to our members! Association of Fraternity Advisors @PiKappaPhi @ZTAFraternity @ alphachiomegaHQ Thank you for the posters! @UWFGreek students seeing it in the office every day! Jessica Tweed Greek Affairs Coordinator University of West Florida @ZTAFraternity has a strong commitment to the fraternal movement. #inspiring #valuesinaction Sean O’Brien Assistant Director of Student Involvement Florida Southern University
Have a comment about an article in Themis or a ZTA program? Drop us a short email at communicationsdept@zetataualpha.org or a note to Communications Department, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. We reserve the right to edit or limit letters for space limitations.
Installations
Lambda Iota Chapter installed at Vanderbilt They picked out white dresses and white shoes for their Initiation and Installation. They might have shopped for a new spring outfit for their celebratory luncheon. But for the charter members of Lambda Iota Chapter, their favorite clothing item from their special weekend was, of course, the T-shirt. In white letters on bright turquoise, the T-shirt says what these 100 women did: “Started Zeta” at Vanderbilt University in 2012. The charter members were initiated on Friday, March 23, by teams of collegians from Beta Lambda (University of Louisville), Delta Mu (The University of Tennessee at Martin) and Iota Chi (Middle Tennessee State University) chapters. On Saturday, March 24, chapter president Jordan Sala was initiated just before National President Keeley McDonald Riddle and Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad conducted the Installation of the Chapter, adding Lambda Iota as the 247th link in our Chain of Chapters, and the Installation of Chapter Officers Services. Vanderbilt selected Zeta Tau Alpha to become its 10th National Panhellenic Conference group in spring of 2011. ZTA conducted a colonization recruitment in January and February, under the direction of Mrs. Conrad. Starting with public relations weeks conducted by Traveling Leadership Consultants, then infoviews for potential new members with National Officers and finally Bid Day on Feb. 2, the process was a great success. The Nashville, TN Alumnae Chapter and
nearby collegiate chapters assisted in recruitment events and ZTA received tremendous support from the Vanderbilt Greek community. The colony quickly became involved in Vanderbilt activities like Dance Marathon and Greek Week, and got to know each other better through bowling and movie nights, study breaks and a ropes course. They made pink ribbon wreaths for local breast cancer patients and planned their first Pink Out game with the Vandy baseball team. “Our chapter is filled with passionate and dedicated women,” Jordan Sala said in her president’s remarks at the installation luncheon. “I know that by coming together through sisterhood and service, we have the capacity to do great things at Vanderbilt.” In her remarks, Mrs. Riddle also praised the colony for achieving its goals. “Your colony could not have prospered if each of you had not accepted the obligation to represent Zeta Tau Alpha’s high standards,” Mrs. Riddle said. “Your actions and dedication set the tone for how ZTA will be viewed at Vanderbilt for years to come.” At the luncheon, chaired by Julia Newman, TLCs Liz Austin and Lauren Vardaman presented Jordan with the traditional baby cup. Both of these TLCs stayed in Nashville throughout the colonization period to assist the chapter.
Raechel Bennett Biggs, Lambda Iota’s Director of New Chapters, presented the chapter's gavel. “I am truly so proud of each and every one of you, the commitment you have put forth and the sisterhood that you have found in each other,” Mrs. Biggs said. Mrs. Riddle and Mrs. Conrad presented a $1,000 donation from the ZTA Foundation to the Vanderbilt Scholarship Fund to Director of Greek Life Kristin Shorter. Then it was time to receive those beautiful new T-shirts. But while the shirts spoke of what these 100 women had started, their president reminded them of their responsibility to keep it going. “Sisters, you have accomplished so much in such a short time and I look forward to what the future holds,” Jordan said. “We have a rare opportunity to meet new and wonderful women and build friendships that will last a lifetime. I challenge all of you to continue to grow in friendship and love, ‘remembering always that the founding precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was love, the greatest of all things.’” Scan this QR code to watch the video montage shown at the celebratory luncheon.
http://vimeo.com/39007499
Spring 2012
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ALUMNAE THEMIS REPORTS Alumnae membership provides Zetas with the opportunity to network, make friends, volunteer in their communities and help lead new generations of Zeta Tau Alphas. Read how, over the past year, ZTA’s alumnae chapters have proven that Zeta Is Forever. Alabama
Birmingham In addition to its monthly meetings, the chapter has created three different groups that meet throughout the month. These groups have allowed the chapter to reach more alumnae and work around members’ schedules. The chapter members have enjoyed movie nights, trips to Georgia and Calera, Ala., as well as the American Cancer Society’s Mad Hatters’ luncheon. Huntsville After surveying its members about their interests, the chapter created a diverse programming calendar, catered to its members. This included supporting Zeta Psi Chapter (Jacksonville State University). The Huntsville Chapter enjoys painting, stuffing recruitment camp goody bags for collegiate members, handing out pink ribbons at a local breast cancer run, and passing out American flags at the Huntsville Veterans’ Day parade.
package fundraiser for members of Nu Chapter (The University of Alabama), an alumnae tailgate party, and a holiday party. These events and the chapter’s new Facebook page have kept members involved and excited.
Arizona
Northern Arizona Breast cancer awareness is a huge part of Northern Arizona Chapter’s activities. The chapter distributes breast cancer information at Northern Arizona University soccer, football and volleyball games in addition to providing pink shoelaces and headbands for players. Members also make stuffed animals for cancer patients and survivors. The chapter’s biggest event was the Catwalk
for Cancer Care, a fashion show that benefited the ZTA Foundation and the cancer centers of Northern Arizona University Healthcare. Phoenix The Phoenix Chapter emphasizes breast cancer awareness and the meaning of The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha in its many activities. The chapter is expanding its events throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, and as a result, member attendance increased this year at Race for the Cure®, the Arizona Cardinals Think Pink® game and the Phoenix Mercury’s Pink Out day. Tucson The chapter improved its communication with members through its website, Facebook page and email. The Tucson Chapter participates in community service events through the Ronald McDonald House in addition to social events such as a spa night and a casino night that supports the ZTA Foundation.
Arkansas
Little Rock Little Rock Chapter members have continued to make adjustments to improve their chapter after reorganizing five years ago. The chapter is trying new
Montgomery This year, the Montgomery Chapter created ZTA Lunch Crew and Zeta Night Owls groups to help members schedule time for sisterhood. In addition to regular meetings, the ZTA Lunch Crew meets once a month for lunch at local restaurants. Conversely, the Zeta Night Owls meet in the evenings. Tuscaloosa The Tuscaloosa Chapter had a busy year getting re-established after many years of being inactive. The chapter participated in activities including the Birmingham Race for the Cure®, a care
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Birmingham, AL
Alumnae News surrounding areas as well. The group started a Crown Sis program with Theta Phi Chapter (California State University, Fullerton), passed out pink ribbons and breast cancer information at two Los Angeles Galaxy home games, and held a Pink Out event at an area high school football game.
San fernando valley, CA things and taking member opinions and ideas into consideration when planning events. It also moved its meetings to the 15th of each month try to make meetings more entertaining and meaningful. Northwest Arkansas The Northwest Arkansas Chapter works very closely with Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas). The two groups coordinate many events together so they can get to know one another and expand their sisterhood. The chapters start off the year with a pool party and later celebrate Founders’ Day and Epsilon Chapter’s Initiation together.
California
Inland Pomona Valley The chapter holds events each month so members can spend time together. Other events include trips to San Diego Chargers games, volunteering at Race for the Cure®, assisting collegiate chapters with recruitment and attending Los Angeles Galaxy games. Long Beach Increasing the number of sisterhood and philanthropy events was a goal for Long Beach Chapter this year. It held events not only in Long Beach, but in
North Orange County The North Orange County Chapter implemented a continuous recruitment model to invite potential members to its events year-round in hopes of increasing membership. Events included Bunco night, a holiday dessert social and Saturday afternoon tea. Sacramento The chapter started out the year with its traditional kick-off party so members could catch up after summer break. The Sacramento Chapter increased its communication with sisters through the use of a Facebook page, website, email list and traditional mailer in hopes of reaching all its potential members. San Diego The San Diego Chapter has had much success recruiting and involving its new members. Many of the chapter’s newer members have actively participated in meetings and stepped up into leadership positions. The alumnae hope the new members will be a source of inspiration and creativity when planning new social and philanthropy events. San Fernando Valley The San Fernando Valley Chapter introduced a new fundraising event this year. The group’s new Halloween-themed
Bunco event raised over $1,200 and gave members the opportunity to have fun and support the ZTA Foundation in a relaxed atmosphere. San Francisco/Marin Getting the ZTA name out in its community was a big goal for the San Francisco/Marin Chapter this year. The chapter wanted to let organizations know that its members were ready to help. The women took part in putting together toiletry packages for La Casa de Las Madres and passed out pink ribbons at San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders Think Pink® games. South Orange County This chapter’s annual Pampered Chef event has raised awareness and funds for the ZTA Foundation for years. In addition to this event, the South Orange County Chapter organized a Zumba class, a pumpkin carving event, a Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas charity drive. Westside Santa Monica In order to give its members with busier schedules more opportunities to participate in chapter events, the Westside Santa Monica Chapter increased its number of activities from one to two per month. Some events included visiting an art museum and watching a sister perform in a community play.
Canada
Manitoba The Manitoba Chapter is very proud of being the first ZTA chapter in Canada to join in on the Think Pink® initiative. Members worked with their local CFL (Canadian Football League) team and distributed over 2,000 pink ribbons and self-exam shower cards. The chapter also participates in Relay for Life and volunteers with the Grow a Row produce project for food banks.
Colorado
Boulder The Boulder Chapter’s meetings typically revolve around some kind of meal. Its members organize a salad supper in May, a membership brunch in September and a holiday potluck in December. Spring 2012
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Alumnae News The chapter also holds a garage sale fundraiser and makes snacks for Kappa Alpha Chapter (Colorado State University) during Collegiate Support Night.
Connecticut
Greater Hartford This year, Greater Hartford Chapter celebrated Founders’ Day with the women of Lambda Alpha Chapter (Sacred Heart University). The chapter also volunteers each year at the Connecticut Flower Show, holds book reviews and potluck dinners, and helps out with Race for the Cure® in June.
Florida
Bradenton/Sarasota Events that support the ZTA Foundation and breast cancer awareness make up the majority of the chapter’s activities. This includes a yard sale to raise money for breast cancer education and collecting lids for the Yoplait® Save Lids to Save Lives® program. Clearwater The Clearwater Chapter worked with Kappa Sigma Chapter (University of South Florida) and other alumnae chapters to hand out pink ribbons at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Think Pink® game. They used this experience as well as volunteering at Race for the Cure® to form bonds with their fellow Zetas. Fort Lauderdale Sister Strawberry is a well-known icon in the Fort Lauderdale Chapter. She is a pink piggy bank that attends all chapter events and collects money for the ZTA Foundation. Chapter activities are planned around members’ interests and include a Christmas cookie exchange, Founders’ Day luncheon and a graduation celebration for graduating seniors. Gainesville The Gainesville Chapter is very involved with Gamma Iota Chapter (University of Florida). They put together “study bags” before final exams and celebrated Founders’ Day and senior night. The chapter also held a FRED dinner to help members brush up on their ZTA knowledge.
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Palm beach County, FL Jacksonville This year, the Jacksonville Chapter held a car wash that benefitted the ZTA Foundation. The chapter also passed out pink ribbons at the Jacksonville Jaguars Think Pink® game as well as grab bags for cancer survivors at Race for the Cure®. In addition to the chapter’s monthly meetings, its members organize smaller break-out groups that include activities such as girls’ night out, book club and children’s play dates. Miami The Miami Chapter started a new tradition this year for graduating seniors at Gamma Alpha Chapter (University of Miami). The Zeta Is Forever event included appetizers and fellowship among collegiate and alumnae members. The Miami Chapter also participates in Race for the Cure®, NFL Think Pink®, serving food at a shelter during Thanksgiving, and making care packages for the homeless and veterans. Orlando Technology has been very beneficial to the Orlando Chapter. Through use of the chapter’s Facebook page, website and Evite, members are able to invite sisters to monthly events and track RSVPs. The Facebook page and website have also allowed the chapter to share information and pictures with its members. The chapter participates in many activities together, including cooking school,
making jewelry and Valentine’s Day chocolates, as well as hosting an annual Christmas ornament exchange. Palm Beach County The Palm Beach County Chapter now provides support for Beta Psi Chapter (Stetson University). Members hope to have Beta Psi members in Palm Beach County for Race for the Cure® and plan to visit Stetson in the future. The chapter hosts an annual bowl-a-thon to raise money for the ZTA Foundation. Polk County After recently reorganizing, the Polk County Chapter established a new tradition they call Operation: Give Cancer the Boot-Boot Camp. Funds raised from the event benefit the ZTA Foundation and give participants a boot camp-like work out. The Polk County Chapter works very closely with Delta Beta Chapter (Florida Southern University) as it provides a full alumnae advisory board for the chapter. The Polk County Chapter also helps with recruitment and celebrates Founders’ Day with the collegiate members. Punta Gorda/Venice Members of the Punta Gorda/Venice Chapter get together for simple strolls, quick meals or shopping trips in and around Venice to spend time together. A few members met for a Founders’ Day lunch in October and the chapter
Alumnae News celebrated Christmas with a party where they collected hygiene items for local charities and toys for Toys for Tots. South Brevard This year, the South Brevard Chapter started a Facebook page to keep in touch with members and share recent pictures and news. In addition to participating in the Yoplait® Save Lids to Save Lives® collection, Susan G. Komen® Walk for Life and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the chapter also collects toiletries and other items to send to U.S. servicemen overseas. The South Brevard Chapter also sends care packages to the Beta Psi Chapter (Stetson University) during recruitment and finals. South Gulf Coast This chapter is looking to its younger members for new event ideas. Some of this year’s ideas included participating in a fondue night, a Thanksgiving Dinner, a bowling team and movie nights. Members also made lasagna for Kappa Tau Chapter’s (Florida Gulf Coast University) philanthropy event. Tampa As a group, the Tampa Chapter enjoys attending the Hyde Park Music Festival, Sunday afternoon movies and dinners at various restaurants around town.
Members attended the Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure® as well as a Founders’ Day celebration with Kappa Sigma Chapter (University of South Florida).
Georgia
Athens This chapter serves as positive role models for members of Gamma Pi Chapter (University of Georgia). Athens Chapter members assisted Gamma Pi with recruitment by making dinner and helping during parties, helped decorate the house for the holidays and took part in a Founders’ Day celebration. Atlanta Alpha A favorite event for the Atlanta Alpha Chapter is its fundraising auction held every November. Items for the event are donated and the money raised goes to the ZTA Foundation. This fall, the chapter also helped Delta Lambda Chapter (Georgia State University) celebrate its 50th anniversary. Atlanta Themis The Atlanta Themis Chapter book club began meeting monthly in January 2010 and has become a favorite activity among members. The chapter also offered its wisdom to Iota Theta Chapter (Georgia Institute of Technology) graduating seniors during a question and answer
session about job interviews and internships before graduation. Cobb County By inviting the Atlanta Alpha Chapter to two of Cobb County Chapter’s favorite annual events, its Thanksgiving potluck and end of the year picnic, the chapter formed new friendships with new sisters. The Cobb County Chapter also added three new social and fundraising events to its calendar this year, including a painting class, an Easter egg hunt and a cornhole tournament. Dekalb This chapter has two main events, Tea at the Ritz and its Christmas party. Tea at the Ritz allows members to dress up and practice their etiquette. This year, the chapter’s annual Christmas party was held at a member’s house where they had dinner, enjoyed hot chocolate and hopped in the car to look at Christmas lights. Beginning last year, Dekalb Chapter members passed out awards to their favorite decorated houses. Gainesville The Gainesville Chapter has begun organizing Zetas' Night Out events after each of their bi-monthly meetings. Some Night Out activities include pottery painting, a tacky Christmas dinner and decorating Omicron Chapter’s (Brenau University) house for Christmas. The chapter also assists Omicron Chapter with set-up, clean-up, organization and meals during recruitment. Macon The chapter raised money in the fall for gift cards to donate to Jay’s Hope. Members also ran the survivor tent at their local Race for the Cure® and are hoping to be named a Crown Chapter again this year. The chapter also meets once a month to enjoy sisterhood events and dinners out on the town.
athens, GA
North Fulton Link The North Fulton Link Chapter has held its annual Pink Affair auction and dinner for the past 10 years. It has grown from a small event held at a member’s house to a larger one that raises tens of thousands
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Alumnae News of dollars at a country club. The chapter also helps with the ZTA survivor tent at the Atlanta Race for the Cure®. Northwest Georgia Members of the Northwest Georgia Chapter live in a five-county area, resulting in its members frequently communicating through email. Members have also been working hard to identify recent ZTA graduates to expand their chapter’s membership. Savannah This chapter is close with Zeta Xi Chapter (Georgia Southern University) and helps with recruitment by providing meals and lots of encouragement. The chapter was crucial in bringing Race for the Cure® to Savannah and its members also distributed pink ribbons at the Jacksonville Jaguars Think Pink® game. Statesboro The Statesboro Chapter recently began encouraging its younger members to take on leadership positions and help in the planning process for Georgia Zeta Day. Many of its activities such as pottery painting, bowling, celebrating Founders’ Day, and the Savannah Race for the Cure® are held with its local collegiate chapter. Tiftarea Tiftarea Chapter members are very close-knit and have made a commitment to share with each other the joys and
sorrows they experience. The members may have been Zetas for five or 50 years, but age makes no difference in ZTA and the love for your sisters. Valdosta The chapter recently updated its alumnae directory and located almost 40 new ZTA alumnae. In October, the Valdosta Chapter held its annual Think Pink® party with the Eta Iota Chapter (Valdosta State University), where jewelry was available for purchase, along with scrumptious desserts. A portion of the sales went to breast cancer education and awareness. Gwinnett County To make its newer members feel more welcome, the Gwinnett County Chapter has begun to incorporate ice breakers and sisterhood events into each of its monthly meetings. The chapter’s 20th anniversary was this year, and to celebrate, members shared laughs and memories over old scrapbooks and current collegiate members’ photos.
Hawaii
The Hawaii Chapter participates in at least one environment-themed community service event each year. In addition to this event, the women of the Hawaii Chapter enjoy attending University of Hawaii football games and the Hawaii Race for the Cure®.
Iowa
Des Moines This chapter maintains a frequently updated website and newsletter to let its members and potential members know what is going on at the chapter’s meetings and events. Some of the chapter’s favorite events this year were painting pumpkins to use as table decorations at the Des Moines Race for the Cure® survivor tent, a pottery painting event, and a spa party.
Illinois
Champaign-Urbana By making its schedule more consistent, the Champaign-Urbana Chapter has seen an increase in its chapter events. Members are now able to plan accordingly by knowing exactly which days each month there will be a ZTA event. The chapter’s Facebook group has also allowed members to connect with one another and get a refresher on ZTA history with fun-facts posts. Chicago North Shore Fundraising for the ZTA Foundation as well as the North Shore Panhellenic Council is a major component of the chapter’s events and activities. In addition to raising funds, the chapter participated in a nonprofit gift wrapping program sponsored by Barnes and Noble and created ZTA-inspired plush bears at Build-a-Bear Workshop in March to use as auction items for Illinois/Iowa/ Wisconsin Zeta Day. Chicago Northwest Suburban The chapter strives to maintain a diverse age group among its members. Younger members are encouraging the chapter's older members to utilize technology such as Evite, the chapter’s website and email to remind chapter members of meetings and events. As well as having guest speakers at its meetings, the Chicago Northwest Suburban Chapter members participate in social and community service events.
HAWAII
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Chicago West Suburban The Chicago West Suburban Chapter participates in a number of service events throughout the year, including
Alumnae News Indianapolis The chapter changed its strategy for collecting Yoplait® lids this year in an effort to increase its collection numbers. The Indianapolis Chapter partnered with a local grocery store chain and Komen of Central Indiana to host Pink Out events at four store locations. During the events, chapter members passed out information about breast cancer and the Yoplait® Save Lids to Save Lives® program.
LAWRENCE, KS planting flowers at a local senior home, volunteering at the Chicago and Lombard Race for the Cure® events, and making pink energy bead necklaces for walkers in the Chicago Susan G. Komen® 3-Day for the Cure where they also host a cheering station for participants. City of Chicago Because Chicago is such a large city, the chapter realizes it has a diverse membership. With this in mind, the chapter has begun to tailor its events around its members, especially to welcome young alumnae who are new to the area. Weekend events like brunch at Chicago hot spots have helped these women create new friends and fit ZTA into their busy schedules. St. Louis Metro East This year, the St. Louis Metro East Chapter hosted its fourth annual spa night where members were pampered with manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. The chapter also participates in service projects such as the St. Louis Race for the Cure® and Yoplait’s® Save Lids to Save Lives® campaign.
Indiana
Columbus To celebrate Founders’ Day, the Columbus Chapter enjoyed fondue and fellowship following its annual ceremony. Members added new social events to their calendars this year, including a trip to a downtown soda shop
where members had great food and of course, ice cream. Evansville Recent graduates of Zeta Alpha Chapter (University of Evansville) have helped the Evansville Chapter revamp its calendar of events. The alumnae work closely with Zeta Alpha Chapter during the Evansville Race for the Cure® and provides a full alumnae advisory board for the collegians. Fort Wayne The Fort Wayne Chapter holds a variety of events throughout the year. In August, the chapter held a dessert get-together with local collegiate members. The chapter kicks off the beginning of the year in September with an open house party to welcome new members. In October, the chapter celebrates Founders’ Day with a tea and eases into the holiday season in November with a trip to a local pottery studio. Franklin The Franklin Chapter has allowed for more sisterhood during its gatherings by holding shorter business meetings, bringing in guest speakers and planning more dinners out on the town at new and different locations. A favorite activity the chapter participated in this year was a bra decorating contest sponsored by a local consignment shop during the month of October.
Kokomo The Kokomo Chapter encouraged its members to bring new pajamas for women and children to Indiana Zeta Day 2011 to donate to area charities. The chapter decided to continue this project in its own community and share donations with local women’s shelters. Members also host an annual Christmas auction, where funds raised are divided among local organizations and free mammogram programs in area hospitals. Lafayette Starting this fall, the Lafayette Chapter began to provide Alpha Theta Chapter (Purdue University) with a full alumnae advisory board. The chapters also participated in events together such as an etiquette dinner where alumnae taught basic table manners, and an event to fill Easter eggs for the local YMCA’s Easter egg hunt.
Kansas
Flint Hills As a way to help support Beta Upsilon Chapter (Kansas State University), the Flint Hills Chapter has begun to use Beta Upsilon’s new house as a meeting place, allowing the alumnae and collegians to become more unified. The alumnae were also excited to receive a Membership Achievement Award at last year’s Missouri/Kansas Zeta Day. Lawrence The women of the Lawrence Chapter love to volunteer. Last October, chapter members helped clean an area church and cooked meals for its shelter. The chapter also made cards for breast cancer survivors and helped with other projects at a local hospital. The Lawrence Chapter Spring 2012
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Alumnae News Shreveport The Shreveport Chapter is making a point to increase interaction with new members at Beta Iota Chapter (Centenary College of Louisiana). The chapter wants new members to understand the love Zetas have for their sisters and the Fraternity. An annual Christmas party is a major recruitment event for the alumnae as is a salad supper where members encourage graduating seniors to attend and join an alumnae chapter.
Maine
Maine The chapter’s Founders’ Day celebration with Kappa Omicron (Merrimack College) is the rock of its yearly activities. Although it’s a challenge to get together because members are so spread out across the state, the chapter takes extra effort to focus on one another and cherish the time they can spend together.
SHREVEPORT, LA celebrated Founders’ Day with members of Alpha Mu (Washburn University) and Sigma (Baker University) chapters.
Kentucky
Lexington The Lexington Chapter looked at the past during its Blast from the Past meeting in September. Members brought ZTA items from their college years to learn about traditions and events at other schools. Although there is no local collegiate chapter, the alumnae participate in University of Kentucky’s pink-themed volleyball games and gymnastics meets by handing out pink ribbons. Louisville This chapter proudly participated in the reactivation of Beta Lambda Chapter (University of Louisville). Thirty-five Louisville members contributed over 400 hours during this process and helped welcome 92 young women to the ZTA sisterhood. The Louisville Chapter helped Beta Lambda raise more than $1,000 for breast cancer education and awareness, participate in Race for the Cure®, and guided them through the rituals that accompany Founders’ Day, Initiation and a new chapter’s Installation.
12 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
Louisiana
Baton Rouge Hosting Louisiana Zeta Day in 2011 was a highlight for the Baton Rouge Chapter. Through this experience, the alumnae were able to meet collegians from across the state and see their potential future members. Members also get to enjoy each other’s company through Crown Connection groups including a book club, Dine on the 9s and Game Night. Greater New Orleans The Greater New Orleans Chapter increased its focus on programming this year. The chapter add three more Crown Connections groups to its two existing groups in order to cater to the interests of the chapter as a whole and create more personal relationships among its members. Northshore This chapter dedicated the year to its members with the theme being “All about You.” Women of the Northshore Chapter pampered themselves with a group trip to the spa and Pilates class. The chapter gave back by handing out pink ribbons at the New Orleans Saints Think Pink® game.
Maryland
Annapolis Although the Annapolis Chapter is over an hour away from Gamma Beta Chapter (Washington College), members are trying to have more combined activities with the collegians. This fall, the Annapolis Chapter hosted a murder mystery dinner with Gamma Beta and the chapter hopes the dinner will become an annual event. The chapter also participates in Race for the Cure® and Sleep in for the Cure®. Baltimore City The Baltimore City Chapter’s theme for the year was “In the City.” Chapter members are continuing to hold events that benefit their city and neighborhoods while still supporting breast cancer awareness and education. The chapter also raised over $180 from events like its bake sale and Think Pink® event. Frederick This chapter gets together with ZTA sisters, both alumnae and collegiate, in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas for a number of events. Favorite events are Race for the Cure®, handing out pink ribbons at Think Pink® NFL games and Zeta Day. The women of
Alumnae News the Frederick Chapter also bring nonperishable food items to donate to local food banks, gently used coats for the Rescue Mission and monetary donations for the county’s animal shelter.
Special Children’s Day at the National Cherry Festival, collecting toiletries for the homeless at the Goodwill Inn and hosting baby showers for young mothers at the alternative high school.
of the year was a “Tailgate with ZTA” themed recruitment party. The chapter also sponsors the breast cancer Care Walk at the University of Mississippi.
Salisbury The women of the Salisbury Chapter work closely with Theta Delta Chapter (Salisbury University). In November, chapter members donated a turkey for the collegiate chapter’s annual Thanksgiving dinner and also made goody bags before final exams. Salisbury Chapter was also involved in Operation: We Care in December, where they donated time and money to pack boxes for soldiers overseas.
Greater Grand Rapids Members of the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter are taking advantage of the growth the city has experienced over the past few years. The chapter has attended Blues on the Mall, the Princess Diana Exhibit, Art Prize and Race for the Cure®. Visiting area apple orchards is also a favorite activity for chapter members.
Kansas City Metro This chapter has worked with a number of collegiate chapters in its area. As host of Missouri-Kansas Zeta Day, the Kansas City Metro Chapter asked collegiate members to bring supplies to create care kits for cancer patients in local hospitals. The left over care kits were given to Eta Upsilon Chapter (Missouri Southern State University) to be distributed to tornado survivors in Joplin, Mo.
Massachusetts
Bay State This year, the Bay State Chapter expanded its programming beyond annual events like Race for the Cure® and summer barbecue. The chapter added more frequent events that occur once a month such as community service projects, participating in Restaurant Week Boston, and Mary Kay and Pampered Chef parties.
Michigan
Ann Arbor The Ann Arbor Chapter has recently become more involved with Alpha Gamma Chapter (University of Michigan). The two chapters partnered to make fleece blankets for patients at a local cancer center, and members from both chapters participated in a book club.
Minnesota
Twin Cities The Twin Cities Chapter used online surveys to learn more about what types of activities its members enjoy most. The chapter’s attendance at events has risen and become more consistent since the surveys were sent.
Mississippi
Greater Oxford New features this year for Greater Oxford Chapter are a monthly newsletter and save-the-date announcements to let members know what is going on in the chapter. Greater Oxford’s first event
Missouri
Mid-Missouri The women of Mid-Missouri Chapter have been involved in the Columbia Race for the Cure® since it began in 2010. The chapter has helped with planning and volunteering, and some members participated in the race itself. Springfield The Springfield Chapter made an effort this year to involve all of its members. Chapter officers contacted each member individually to be sure their correct contact information was on file. The
Detroit Metropolitan This chapter re-evaluated its programming and tried new things this year. Detroit Metropolitan Chapter members hosted two summer events for the first time—Meet Zetas at the Zoo and Cruise to the Pool. These women hope to attract recent graduates to bring new ideas and energy to their chapter. Grand Traverse Area In May, the Grand Traverse Area Chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special luncheon. The chapter supports its community by running a booth during
TWIN CITIES, MN
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Alumnae News Think Pink® game where the chapter raised over $700. Mercer-Bucks Working with local collegiate chapters, Zeta Lambda (Rider University) and Iota Gamma (The College of New Jersey), was a highlight for the Mercer-Bucks Chapter. Graduating seniors joined the alumnae for a cookie exchange in December as well as the Founders’ Day ritual and senior Initiation ceremony. Chapter members also attend Fall Fest, the chapter’s Grills Gone Wild BBQ event, Race for the Cure® and the New York Giants Think Pink® game.
SPRINGFIELD, MO chapter has also utilized Facebook and Twitter to increase contact with its members and continues to support Mu Chapter (Drury University). St. Louis This chapter is most proud of its increased philanthropy involvement. Chapter members participate in events with the St. Louis Rams football team, St. Louis Blues hockey team and the River City Rascals AA baseball team. Members of the St. Louis Chapter also participate in one of the country’s largest Race for the Cure® events as well as local collegiate chapters’ philanthropy events.
Nebraska
Lincoln More and more members of the Lincoln Chapter are becoming involved in Nebraska Zeta Day as some members receive their White Violet pins and Order of the Shield recognitions. Zeta Day also provides the chapter an opportunity to meet collegiate members of Gamma Mu Chapter (University of Nebraska at Omaha).
14 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
Omaha In October, the Omaha Chapter visited a local pumpkin patch to hand out pink ribbons, self-exam cards and collect Yoplait® lids. Over 750 ribbons were distributed. The chapter has also organized Lunch Breaks so members can spend lunch with their sisters.
Nevada
Southern Nevada This chapter feels very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Iota Eta Chapter (University of Nevada, Las Vegas). Through the use of their improved communication system, the two chapters have been able to work together at Race for the Cure® and celebrate Founders’ Day.
New Jersey
Jersey Shore The Jersey Shore Chapter has focused on fundraising by implementing web search and recycling-based fundraisers. Chapter members have participated in glass blowing, making stuffed bears for a local children’s hospital, the Jackson Race for the Cure®, and the New York Giants
Northern New Jersey This year, the Northern New Jersey Chapter worked wellness into many of its events. Some members ran a 5K race in honor of a sister diagnosed with cancer and others participated in yoga. The chapter does at least four service events with members of Iota Iota Chapter (Fairleigh Dickinson University) each year, including Race for the Cure® and the New York Giants Think Pink® game.
New Mexico
Albuquerque The Albuquerque Chapter continues to participate in smaller philanthropic events in its community as well as larger ones like Race for the Cure®. Over the past two years, the chapter has shown great support for Delta Pi Chapter (Eastern New Mexico University), and as a result, has gained younger alumnae. Eastern New Mexico This chapter acts as a networking tool for Delta Pi Chapter (Eastern New Mexico University). The Eastern New Mexico Chapter continues to form friendships with the women of Delta Pi and strengthen their connections through events and philanthropy. Las Cruces The Las Cruces Chapter joined together with Hillrise Elementary and Beta Nu Chapter (New Mexico State University) to raise breast cancer awareness with a weeklong campaign titled Pink Week. Both chapters cut out pink paper T-shirts
Alumnae News for Hillrise students to decorate and display in front of the school.
joined by 10 collegiate chapters and four other alumnae chapters.
Pink event as well as a Founders’ Day celebration and a senior send-off party.
New York
Lake Norman The Lake Norman Chapter reaches out to its local collegiate chapters, Eta Tau (The University of North Carolina at Charlotte) and Delta Omicron (Lenior Rhyne University) by sending them cards of encouragement and celebration. The chapter also invites graduating seniors to its Learn S’more event to enjoy s’more fondue and learn more about the Lake Norman Chapter.
Ohio
New York City Colonization of Lambda Theta Chapter (New York University) was a highlight for the New York City Chapter. The chapter hosted a strawberry social to get to know the new Lambda Theta members and show them that Zeta Is Forever. Rochester Philanthropy events were a priority for the Rochester Chapter this year. In addition to the chapter’s annual events like Race for the Cure®, members took part in Light the Falls Pink, where Niagara Falls turned pink to celebrate breast cancer survivors the Friday before the Buffalo Bills Think Pink® game.
North Carolina
Charlotte In an attempt to reach more alumnae, the Charlotte Chapter has begun holding its meetings in various locations around the city. One of their most successful events this year was the Carolina Panthers’ Think Pink® game where 60,000 pink ribbons were distributed. In total, over 250 Zetas helped with the distribution as the Charlotte Chapter was
Research Triangle A more consistent calendar of events has increased attendance at Research Triangle Chapter activities. This chapter feels lucky to be able to work with three local collegiate chapters, Theta Tau (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Iota Phi (North Carolina State University) and Phi (Duke University). Winston-Salem After transforming its approach to fundraising by focusing on a few core activities, the alumnae chapter has also begun to work with Delta Gamma Chapter (High Point University) to help with fundraising projects. This year, the two chapters held a Paint the Town
Cincinnati Crown This year, the Cincinnati Crown Chapter mixed it up a bit by adding events to its calendar in addition to its regular monthly meetings. Members participated in a book club, trips to the movies and other spontaneous get-togethers through the week. Cleveland-East Combining social and service events is a way to make events more personal for the Cleveland-East Chapter. A popular event was the chapter’s Books and Bunnies event. Members brought books and stuffed animals to give to children at a local hospital. The chapter also celebrated Founders’ Day with Delta Delta Chapter (Baldwin-Wallace College) at Rockefeller Greenhouse, where one of the gardens is named for a deceased alumnae chapter member. Cleveland-West The Cleveland-West Chapter added a number of new activities to its calendar this year, including lunches in the park, a tour of the Cleveland Botanical Garden and a beginning of the year dinner to attract recent graduates. More spontaneous events were also added to the calendar like movie nights, baking get-togethers and shopping. Columbus Community service is a crucial part of the Columbus Chapter’s activities. Members participate in events with Yoplait®, the NFL, Box Tops for Education, the Ronald McDonald House and Rebecca’s Place.
CLEVELAND-WEST, OH
Dayton This chapter embraces change by inviting its newer members to take charge of service events and activities. The Dayton Chapter varies its meeting locations to increase attendance and membership. The chapter’s theme for the year was "All Zeta All the Time." Members celebrated this theme by planning each monthly meeting around the style of a certain decade. Spring 2012
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Alumnae News page. In addition to this page, Portland Chapter members hope that the involvement of new Kappa Mu Chapter (Linfield Chapter) graduates will attract others to the chapter.
Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Making a sincere effort to raise breast cancer education and awareness this year, the Lehigh Chapter participated in many philanthropy events. The chapter hosted its first Pink Out event at a local restaurant; volunteered at the Scranton Race for the Cure®; handed out pink ribbons at the Philadelphia Eagles game; and set up a table at the local minor league baseball field to distribute ribbons, breast cancer information and collect donations.
AIKEN, SC Toledo To make more time for socializing and sisterhood, the Toledo Chapter has made the change to paper meetings instead of more business-like gatherings. The chapter also sends a monthly newsletter via mail and email to update its members who are online and those who are not. Youngstown As the Youngstown Chapter becomes more diverse, having family-oriented events has increased attendance. In October, a record 40 chapter members participated in The Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic, a co-sponsored philanthropy event with Zeta Gamma Chapter (Youngstown State University). The two chapters raised over $157,000 by working concessions and selling apparel.
Oklahoma
Ada As a relatively new alumnae chapter, the Ada Chapter uses social networking to attract more members and boost membership. The chapter schedules events throughout the year with the local collegiate chapter to get to know each other and maintain friendships. Oklahoma City The Oklahoma City Chapter made a new commitment to volunteering this year. On top of collecting donations and goods at chapter meetings to give
16 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
to various charity organizations, the women also have a yearly meeting at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, followed by several hours of packing backpacks with food for kids and needy families. For the third year in a row, the Oklahoma City Chapter adopted a family at Christmastime and provided nearly $1,000 worth of presents and food. Tulsa This chapter was very involved with the Tulsa Race for the Cure® that was held at the city’s new semi-professional baseball stadium. Chapter members were able to interact with fans as well as distribute information about breast cancer, give pink pom-poms to breast cancer survivors and help participants pin on race numbers.
Oregon
Eugene The relationships the Eugene Chapter has formed with Kappa Mu (Linfield College) and Alpha Psi (University of Missouri) chapters have been very rewarding. The chapter gets together and makes gifts for new collegiate members and graduating seniors. Email is also another way the Eugene Chapter keeps in touch with Kappa Mu and Alpha Psi. Portland Many new alumnae have contacted the Portland Chapter through its Facebook
Northeastern Pennsylvania The Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter formed just two years ago and has begun surveying its members to provide a wide range of programming that will appeal to all of its members. This year, some chapter activities included game nights, cookie exchanges and a Duck Dash event at Keen Lake with proceeds benefitting ZTA Foundation. Philadelphia After almost doubling its membership from last year, it was a year of firsts for the Philadelphia Chapter. Members were able to work with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Think Pink® game for the first time, and in April 2011, the chapter hosted its first Pennsylvania/West Virginia Zeta Day since the 1990s. West Branch West Branch Club increased its outreach to graduating seniors and other collegiate members this year. The club distributed pink ribbons at a Williamsport Crosscutters baseball game and partnered with the team to sponsor Girls Night Out.
South Carolina
Aiken This year, Aiken Chapter celebrated Kappa Pi Chapter’s (University of South Carolina Aiken) 10-year anniversary. Two
Alumnae News National Officers presented speeches and the Strawberry Story. This chapter also participates in monthly movie nights, pumpkin carving and Bunco night. Charleston The Charleston Chapter hosted its first chili cook-off this past April. Seventeen teams competed and the cook-off also included a chili tasting, silent auction, raffle, live music and a bounce castle. The event raised $2,500 for the ZTA Foundation. Columbia To increase the number of members who volunteer for leadership positions, the Columbia Chapter decreased its officer term limit from two years to one. Members hope that this change will encourage their sisters to volunteer because of the shorter commitment. Foothills A primary goal of the Foothills Chapter is to support the nearby Kappa Zeta Chapter (Clemson University). The chapter serves as advisers, hosts and mentors for the collegiate members. Both chapters participate in many social events together. Grand Strand The brand new Grand Strand Chapter was chartered in 2011 and has already participated in a number of ZTA activities. In the past year, members took part in the Carolina Panthers Think Pink® game and Eta Chi Chapter’s (Francis Marion University) Founders’ Day ritual and Big Man on Campus event.
Rho (University of South Carolina Spartanburg), these alumnae also serve as volunteers in their community. This year, members partnered with Theta Zeta and a local hospital to collect gently used bras for a local women’s shelter. The chapter also helped the hospital with its breast cancer education and awareness night and Walk of Hope fundraiser.
Tennessee
Chattanooga By creating events that involve members’ friends and families, the bonds of the Chattanooga Chapter have strengthened over time. This year, the chapter held a family picnic at an area park and an outing including moms, neighbors and sisters to a local restaurant.
revamped its calendar of events. The chapter painted pottery together, made jewelry and attended a Founders’ Day dinner with Zeta Chapter (University of Tennessee, Knoxville). Martin This chapter not only helped Delta Mu Chapter (University of Tennessee at Martin) with its reorganization but also participates with them through a program called Alum Chum. Alumnae members send encouraging words and occasional gifts to their collegiate “chums” to stay in touch and form friendships. The chapters also plan to host other joint activities in the future.
Jackson The Jackson Chapter is making changes to meet more regularly as an entire group. Themed gatherings like the chapter’s annual luau and pink out parties provide sisters with lots of fun. Members also serve as volunteers at a local bridal show to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness.
Memphis The Memphis Chapter is becoming a household name when it comes to breast cancer awareness and fundraising. Many athletic teams in the Memphis area have contacted the chapter to help organize and plan awareness and fundraisingrelated events. This past summer, chapter members held Pink in the Park night during a Memphis Redbirds AAA minor league baseball game.
Knoxville After doubling in size this past year, the Knoxville Chapter completely
Murfreesboro Each year, the Murfreesboro Chapter gives Iota Chi Chapter (Middle
Pee Dee Area Each month, members of the Pee Dee Area Chapter participate in social, service and fundraising events. The chapter recently spent a week at a local bowling alley to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness. Members also hosted a recruitment event at the alley to spend time together and bowl. Spartanburg In addition to serving as advisors to two local collegiate chapters, Theta Zeta (Wofford College) and Kappa
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Alumnae News Tennessee State University) parents the opportunity to purchase goody bags for their daughters during finals week. This fundraiser helps grow the collegiatealumnae relationship and shows parents that the Murfreesboro Chapter is supportive of younger Zetas. Nashville Adding a number of new, smallergroup activities to the chapter’s event calendar was a highlight for Nashville members this year. Examples of these events are supper club, Zetas on Tour travel club, book club and the Mommy and Z program for members with small children. Taking advantage of local activities such as chocolate tastings and cupcake decorating classes has also been a source of fun for the chapter. Tri-Cities Having a bigger emphasis on fundraising and service was a change in the TriCities Chapter this year. The chapter annually participates in the area’s Race for the Cure® and Yoplait® lid campaign, but added events like Thirty-One and Pampered Chef fundraising parties to last year’s agenda.
Texas
Austin By using both a paper and electronic newsletter, the Austin Chapter has seen its membership and attendance increase. The newsletters feature photos and news
from past events, include information about upcoming events, spotlight officers and send support to chapter members. Central Texas This year, the Central Texas Chapter expanded its programming to reach alumnae of all ages. The chapter hosted appetizer gatherings, a Christmas cookie exchange, a cooking class and fundraising events for the ZTA Foundation. Collin County To promote breast cancer awareness, the Collin County Chapter formed a partnership with the Allen Americans hockey team and passed out ribbons at its Pink in the Rink event. Members also hope to work with the Frisco Tornadoes hockey team in the future. Corpus Christi The Corpus Christi Chapter has begun hosting socials twice a year at some of the nicer restaurants in Corpus Christi. Members invite their husbands, significant others and other family members to these events in hopes of creating a more relaxed environment for newer members. Cypress Fundraising and service are major activities in the Cypress Chapter. In October, the chapter held its inaugural Casino Pink Tie Affair fundraiser, and
later in the year, put together a market for early holiday shopping. In addition to sponsoring three local families for Christmas, the alumnae chapter also provided finals study baskets for ZTA’s Gamma Omega (University of Houston) and Theta Gamma (Texas A&M University) chapters. Dallas Area Night At every Dallas Area Night Chapter meeting, there is time for socializing. Sisterhood chairmen put together games and ice breakers at meetings to help members get to know each other. This year, the members also participated in a Founders’ Day ceremony with Zeta Sigma Chapter (The University of Texas at Arlington) and were reminded of their college days. Dallas Association By reaching out to other alumnae and collegiate chapters, the Dallas Association learned of new and exciting ZTA opportunities in the area. The chapter participated in Race for the Cure®, the Yoplait® Save Lids to Save Lives® campaign and a book drive for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dallas. Denton Facebook has been crucial in the Denton Chapter’s recruitment process. The chapter has been more creative with its events and has worked closely with Gamma Phi Chapter (University of North Texas). To get to know the new collegiate members, Denton Chapter held a strawberry social event. El Paso This year, the El Paso Chapter hosted a Founders’ Day luncheon with Gamma Gamma Chapter (The University of Texas at El Paso) members and their mothers. The event included a raffle and silent auction, as well as lots of singing and bonding among sisters. The mothers in attendance were very appreciative and were able to learn more about ZTA.
CENTRAL TEXAS 18 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
Fort Bend For a more casual and personable atmosphere, Fort Bend Chapter holds its meetings in the homes of its members.
Alumnae News chapter hopes to bring new ideas and energy to the group. Some of the chapter’s current activities include dinners at local restaurants, service projects and helping local collegiate chapters.
San Antonio One of San Antonio Chapter’s most successful events is its Crown Affair Luncheon. Now in its 22nd year, the event has grown from only 50 attendees to over 350. The event includes a silent auction and some kind of entertainment each year. Top of Texas By creating a more effective line of communication though Facebook, the Top of Texas Chapter has increased attendance at both alumnae and local collegiate events. In addition to a holiday get-together, the chapter meets monthly to play Bunco.
The chapter also invites members’ spouses to events like evening outings to a baseball game and bowling alley.
Huntsville An increased focus on philanthropy and service allowed the Huntsville Chapter to make significant changes in its area. The chapter began collecting Yoplait® lids this year and involved members’ friends, neighbors, families and coworkers.
Fort Worth In October, the Fort Worth Chapter hosted its 17th annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon. Nearly 500 guests attended the event and all money raised benefitted the ZTA Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Patsy Ellis Roach Memorial Scholarship fund.
Lubbock The Lubbock Chapter took a more active role in its local Race for the Cure® this year by working with the women of Gamma Tau Chapter (Texas Tech University) to pass out breast cancer awareness and prevention materials as well as helping out in the survivor’s area.
Williamson County The Williamson County Chapter is very supportive of Lambda Chapter (Southwestern University). Williamson County members help during Lambda Chapter’s recruitment, attend its Initiation and other rituals, and also provide food at these events.
Houston Association The Houston Association was able to provide Gamma Omega Chapter (University of Houston) with new, large wooden letters for its new members to pose with on Bid Day. The two chapters also celebrated Founders’ Day together.
Midland Members of the Midland Chapter created a chapter logo, website and T-shirt this year in attempt to boost its membership and sisterhood. The chapter also added new events to its calendar like a Pink Out football game at a local high school.
Utah
Houston Northwest This year, the Houston Northwest Chapter encouraged its members to become more eco-friendly. The chapter’s theme for the year was “Zeta Naturally” and each of its monthly meetings had an eco-friendly theme or service project. In November, the chapter recycled old newspapers for a local pet shelter.
NASA-Brazoria County Serving as advisors to Theta Eta Chapter (Stephen F. Austin State University) is just one way the NASA-Brazoria County Chapter has improved its alumnaecollegiate chapter relationship. Over the past few years, these women have also put together holiday treats for the collegians, collected snacks for study baskets during finals, and donated items for senior gifts. Members also assist Theta Eta during recruitment, Initiation and fundraising events.
FORT WORTH, TX
Humble-Kingwood Reaching out to younger ZTA alumnae in the area was a goal for the HumbleKingwood Chapter. By doing so, the
Tyler After regrouping this year, the Tyler Chapter has made many changes. The chapter was able to fill vacant office positions, have regular meetings, host sisterhood events and work on a fundraising event and chapter website.
Salt Lake City Each year, the Salt Lake City Chapter holds a Founders’ Day ceremony and attends Utah Zeta Day. The chapter also hosts an annual Christmas luncheon where collegiate ZTA members from the area are invited to learn more about life as an alumna.
Virginia
Loudoun County In the fall, the Loudoun County Chapter focuses on interacting with local collegiate chapters. In October, the chapter partners with other alumnae and Theta Chi Chapter (George Mason University) to participate in the Washington Redskins Think Pink® game. Members of the Loudoun County Chapter also send cards and packages to Gamma Spring 2012
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Alumnae News Kappa (James Madison University) and Eta Xi (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) chapters. Northern Virginia To increase attendance at chapter events, Northern Virginia alumnae implemented a new program called Passport to the Crown. At the beginning of the year, each member received a “passport” and at every event she attended, a sticker was added to her passport. The member with the most stickers at the end of the year received a prize. Roanoke Service makes up a large portion of Roanoke Chapter’s events each year. In addition to collecting Yoplait® lids, passing out pink ribbons and working with Race for the Cure®, the chapter also donates food to a local shelter, money to the Roanoke Valley SPCA, plays bingo with veterans, write letters with Operation Write Home and adopts a family during Christmastime each year. Tidewater The Tidewater Chapter expanded its programming this year by adding informal sisterhood socials to the calendar of events. Some social events include dinner at a local restaurant, meeting for coffee and girls’ nights.
Western Fairfax This chapter planned many of its service projects in conjunction with a local charity called Homestretch, which helps homeless families with children under the age of 18. At Thanksgiving, the chapter adopted a family and provided a meal for them. At Christmas, the chapter adopted another family and provided holiday gifts.
West Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Seattle Since 2009, the Seattle Chapter has participated in Think Pink® games with the Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. Members join together with Psi Chapter (University of Washington) members to pass out 30,000 pink ribbons at each event. Spokane The Spokane Chapter helped out with two Race for the Cure® events this year. Members also collected items for charity organizations, including teddy bears for children. In December, the chapter attends a local, annual Christmas Tree Elegance in December and hosts picnics each summer with ZTA collegians.
Buckhannon Chapter members focused on reaching out to Theta (Bethany College) and Delta Upsilon (West Virginia Wesleyan College) chapters. The chapter planned activities to highlight its talents and diversity, including a trip to an annual Christmas tree elegance, meeting for lunch and hosting a summer picnic with collegians. Milwaukee The Milwaukee Chapter volunteered at its local Race for the Cure® Survivor’s Pavilion, distributing gift bags and memorial tags to runners. The women also traveled to help with an "A Crucial Catch" event with the Green Bay Packers.
Abroad
Zetas Abroad The ZTA alumnae in London, England have been keeping busy. Members ran in both the 5 and 10K Race for Life events and have attended ballet and theatre performances. The chapter has also traveled to visit different cities throughout England to take advantage of all the country has to offer.
Tri-Cities The Tri-Cities Chapter changed up its recruitment methods this year to make contacting Zetas in the area more manageable and personal. After dividing its list of potential members for alumnae to contact, chapter membership increased 33 percent. Virginia Peninsula Sisterhood was the main focus for the Virginia Peninsula Chapter’s programming this year. One of the most enjoyed events was a pottery painting outing. The chapter also worked toward making a stronger alumnae-collegiate relationship with Kappa Phi (Christopher Newport University) by participating in Founders’ Day, the chapter's birthday and senior send-off celebrations.
20 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
ZETAS ABROAD
Foundation News
ZTA presents hazing prevention award Drexel University received the Zeta Tau Alpha Award for Innovation in Campus Hazing Prevention on March 13, 2012, in Phoenix during the annual NASPA— Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Conference. This is the third year that ZTA has partnered with Hazing Prevention.Org to present the award and $10,000 grant to promote effective hazing prevention programming on college campuses. Past recipients were University of Kentucky in 2011 and Florida State University in 2010. Drexel won the 2012 award after receiving special recognition for its prevention efforts during last year’s conference and placing as a finalist in the inaugural competition in 2010. Drexel’s progressive stance to eliminate hazing began in 2008 with a partnership between fraternity and sorority chapters and recreational sports. That collaboration now extends to all aspects of the campus: students, police, alumni, intercollegiate athletics and staff members in residential living, counseling and student conduct. The university was able to send interdisciplinary teams to
HazingPrevention.Org’s Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention and afterwards adopt a clear definition of hazing, define a reporting model and implement an amnesty policy to encourage students to report hazing. “This award is a testament to our staff’s tireless efforts to educate our students about the perils of hazing,” said Drexel University President John Fry. “I am truly proud to have all of those involved as part of the Drexel team and am confident that
they will continue this work with the same passion and energy.”
Drexel University receives the 2012 Zeta Tau Alpha Award for Innovation in Campus Hazing Prevention. (from left) Drexel Dean of Students Dr. David Ruth, HazingPrevention. Org Executive Director Tracy Maxwell, Drexel Associate Dean of Student Life John Cooke and ZTA Director of Foundation Administration Nicole Patterson Biberstine.
Foundation sets Valentine sales record The ZTA Foundation is feeling the Zeta Love after selling a record 1,626 Valentines during its annual winter fundraiser, raising $52,082 and more than doubling last year’s total of 772 Valentines. For many years, the Foundation has provided ZTA parents, members and friends with the opportunity to send personalized ZTA Valentines to their Zeta friends and family with a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation. Money raised is used to fund ZTA’s educational programming such as My Sister, My
Responsibility, GreekLifeEduTM and National Leadership Conference. “As a mother, I appreciate Zeta Tau Alpha for helping my daughter grow into a strong, responsible woman,” says Marcie Cuono, a ZTA parent who sent a Valentine this year. “Programs like My Sister, My Responsibility in particular reinforce that my daughter belongs to an organization that invests in her safety and development. This Valentine reflects how much both ZTA and I care for my daughter.”
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Foundation News
WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO? When you write your check or make your online donation to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, you can be sure that the Foundation not only values your generosity, but also pledges to put every dollar to work wisely. The infographics on these pages allow you to see the depth and variety of the Foundation’s commitment to philanthropy, scholarship and educational programming.
OVERALL INCOME & EXPENSES REVIEW OF INCOME 2010-2011: $2,943,214 58% GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS - $1,709,625 30% PHILANTHROPY CONTRIBUTIONS - $884,531 12% SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS - $340,980 <1% PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS - $8,078
PHILANTHROPY EXPENSES Our national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness. Your dollars help us honor survivors at the Race for the Cure®, increase awareness of early detection through our Think Pink® program and fund other research and educational programs as we fight breast cancer together.
THINK PINK® Production and distribution of ZTA Think Pink® ribbons, co-branded ZTA and NFL Think Pink® ribbons, breast self-exam reminder stickers and other breast cancer awareness programs such as the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” program
56%
SURVIVOR RECOGNITION PROGRAM
REVIEW OF EXPENSES, 2010-2011: $2,943,214
Funding for the Survivor Recognition Program at the Race for the Cure® series, including the production and shipping of pink survivor hats and T-shirts as well as In Memory of and In Honor of back signs for over 130 Race for the Cure® events nationwide
32%
31% PROGRAMS - $921,543 30% PHILANTHROPY - $893,210
DESIGNATED SERVICE
20% SCHOLARSHIP - $571,295 10% INVESTMENTS & ENDOWED FUNDS - $282,295 9% ADMINISTRATIVE - $274,870
Distribution of funds to other 501(c)(3) nonprofit programs
11%
OTHER PHILANTHROPY
Funding designated for Themis articles on breast cancer education and awareness, service displays and other breast cancer awareness programs
22 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
1%
Foundation News
PROGRAM EXPENSES
HAZING PREVENTION
The Foundation’s dedication to education includes funding our Traveling Leadership Consultant program, National Leadership Conference and Convention. We have even extended learning opportunities to others by sharing our award-winning harm reduction program and creating free online education for Greek professionals.
AFA GRANT AdvanceU online learning for student life administrators
27%
Educational and service-related features in our quarterly magazine
2%
THEMIS
18%
TLC VISITS
8%
Leadership training provided to chapters by traveling consultants
37%
FOUNDERS GRANTS
Helping deserving students pay for their education was the founding principle of the ZTA Foundation. In the past three years, when many members and their families struggled financially, your donations have allowed the Foundation to set records in the amount of money allocated. With this increase, the Foundation has also been able to aid more deserving Zetas than ever before.
ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
31%
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Endowed funds generally given in honor or in memory of a special Zeta; scholarship amounts vary and are funded by the annual interest generated by each specific endowment
Speakers and workshops at NLC and Convention
1%
SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSES
Scholarships given to both undergraduate and graduate students from annual contributions to the General Scholarship Fund
1%
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
GREEKLIFEEDU™ Online education about hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual assault for all new members
Finance, nutrition and supervisory training for house directors
3%
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Harm reduction programming, including My Sister, My Responsibility, 2 or 21: Creating Change in our Choices, and educational video series
3%
HOUSING SEMINAR
EDUCATIONAL GRANTS Grants to collegians to attend Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute
$10,000 award for Innovation in Campus Hazing Prevention; grants for collegians to attend Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention
Nine grants, named after each of ZTA’s nine Founders, at a minimum of $9,000 each given to those pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree
16%
RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships established by a chapter or individual that can be designated for specific chapters, provinces or areas
30%
SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships specially designated to those in a service or health-related field
4%
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
17%
One-time donations to university scholarship funds in honor of a ZTA colony and Themis articles on scholarship
2% Spring 2012
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Job Hunting
Making Your Job Search Work for You By Ashley Martin Editor Wouldn’t it be nice if we all found a job offer tucked in our diploma or the perfect employer standing on the corner, ready to take us to our new office as soon as we decide to make a career change? Unfortunately, finding a job isn’t that easy. In fact, it can often be a daunting, time-consuming task. The good news is that while a new employer might not be right outside your door, waiting to offer you a position, jobs are available—it’s just a matter of finding them. In fact, despite the still weakened economy, the U.S. unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in the past three years. If you put your experiences and connections to work in the hopes of landing your dream job, with a little hard work and determination, you could be hearing “you’re hired” in no time.
Networking
Some of the best available resources during your job search are those people within your network—your family, friends, classmates, colleagues, professors and even ZTA sisters. Kat Reed Evans, a ZTA alumna and career advisor at Baylor University, always stresses to her students the importance of networking, whether it is by joining a club or finding an internship or parttime job. “No matter what you do, you are going to meet people,” she says, “and you never know who knows someone who can help connect you in your field or industry.” One misconception about networking is that it is only useful when you are looking for a job. But networking is, in fact, about making connections and building relationships with other people,
24 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
not merely asking someone to hire you. You can cultivate many relationships, no matter how casual, to help you down the road. Keeping in touch, whether through short emails or notes, lunch meetings or phone conversations about industry trends, helps do just that. Kat and many other business professionals suggest using websites such as LinkedIn to help organize those in your network and cultivate new relationships. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, this social media site is built specifically for you to link with those you know, and those people they know, in a professional setting. Your profile actually holds your resumé, and you can find trade articles, jobs and those working in a particular field. Joining various LinkedIn groups can help you connect with those in your industry, fellow alumnae and organizations that align with your interests. Kristen Howser Sudduth, a professional recruiter and ZTA alumna whose job it is to find potential employees for companies, uses LinkedIn and other websites to help her search for job candidates. “When I know I have a job for someone who is fresh out of school, the ZTA LinkedIn page is first place I look because I know I’m going to get quality people that way,” Kristen says. Websites such as LinkedIn, high school or university alumni functions, ZTA alumnae chapters, and other clubs and professional organizations are also great places for you to add new people to your network, connecting you to those with shared backgrounds, values and interests. Once you’ve discovered the type of job you want or the industry you want to be a part of, actively search for people with one of those shared interests/ experiences who work in that field. Your connection is very likely to catch their eye and make them eager to help you.
LINKEDIN TIPS • If you don’t already have a LinkedIn account, create one! www.linkedin.com • Don’t just copy in your resumé verbatim. Add personality to your job descriptions. Share why you love what you do. • Use keywords to describe your experiences that will make it easy to find you in a search. • Keep your profile up-to-date. • Join groups such as university alumni groups, the ZTA group and groups that are related to your field. It will connect with like-minded individuals and let you participate in group discussions. • Check out the daily updates. LinkedIn will update you on your connections and groups profile changes, new connections and discussions. • Use your network and groups to make new connections. Are you moving to Boston and need a new job? Search for a fellow university or ZTA alumna who lives there and works in your field. More than 5,000 soon-to-be graduates and alumnae have joined the ZTA Alumnae LinkedIn group. You’ll never know whom you’ll find! In fact, we found the sources for this story through the group!
Find ZTA at
http://tinyurl.com/LinkedInZTAalumnae
Job Hunting Make Yourself Stand Out
Now that you’ve successfully networked and found viable job leads, it’s time to make yourself stand out in the pool of other qualified candidates. The first step in doing this is to create a great resumé. On average, a prospective employer or recruiter spends just 30 seconds looking at your resumé, so it is important to make sure it highlights your skills and experience but is also easy to scan. “When creating your resumé—and in all other phases of the hiring process—it’s about matching your skills, abilities and knowledge to the specific job you are applying for,” Kat says. “The more you can describe why you are the best fit for that job, the easier it is for the employer to connect the dots and think hiring you is a no-brainer.” Those looking for their first job out of college or even their first internship may not have a strong enough work history to fill a resumé. If this is the case, creating a Functional Resumé will highlight the relevant skills and abilities you have gained through other experiences such as involvement in campus and community organizations. Using ZTA as an example, if you’ve served as your chapter’s VPI/Coordinator of Committees, the experience you’ve gained in managing other officers, maintaining a substantial budget and fundraising shows that you have applicable leadership skills. Highlighting this type of experience as a separate entry on your resumé is key. It is also important to note that highlighting too many jobs and activities on your resumé can put you at a disadvantage. When it comes to activities, Kat suggests only listing those in which you spend the most time and the ones that will be most pertinent to the person reviewing your resumé. “If someone lists 20 student organizations on their resumé,” she says, “an employer is going to wonder how that person is managing this and if she is spreading herself too thin.” For those with adequate job experience, remember that resumés should be kept
to one page. After a few years in the workforce, it might be time to eliminate your college waitressing job and the activities you were involved in on campus. List only those work experiences and organizations relevant to the job for which you are applying. Once you’ve created your resumé, have someone look it over for you to make sure that it is easy to understand, errorfree and adequately highlights what makes you a strong candidate. Reach out again to those within your network for help, especially those working in a similar field. These people can also help you discover what to expect during an interview and if the employer will be looking for any particular attributes. As with your resumé, during an interview, it is important to show how your skills and experiences will benefit the company. “It is all about what you can do for them,” Kristen says. “Be able to talk through your resumé and bring it back to how those experiences can help that position, and the company as a whole, grow.” “It can be a difficult task to sell yourself without feeling strange about it,” Kat says, “but one of the most important questions interviewers ask is, ‘Why, out of all of these other candidates, should I hire you?’ If you don’t know how to
answer that, the company isn’t going to hire you.” Books such as “StrengthsFinder 2.0” by Tom Rath can help you determine your top five strengths to highlight during an interview. Playing up these strengths will help you bring value to an organization. Also determine what strengths you wish you had and explain what you are doing to improve in those areas. Overall, remember that searching for a job does not have to be a terrible beast you need to overcome. Anything you can do on the front end— networking, resumé critiques, mock interviews, research on various organizations and positions—can only help you feel more confident and prepared when you do begin your search. By preparing yourself early and continuously cultivating new and existing relationships within your network, you could find yourself one step closer to having that job offer waiting for you whenever you are ready to take your next step.
RESUMÉ TIPS • Make sure your name stands out. Use a larger, bold typeface. • Be consistent in format. • List the beginning and end dates for each job you’ve held. Note if a job was an internship or contract position to explain why you didn’t hold that job for long. • Keep bullet points short and concise. • Quantify when possible (e.g., supervised 10 employees, increased sales by 30 percent) • Use action verbs. Refrain from using passive phrases such as “responsible for.”
• Only list relevant campus/ community activities and those which you are very actively involved. • Tailor your resumé for each position for which you apply based on the job description. Highlight experiences and skills that match. • Do not exaggerate your experiences. Find a position that matches your current skill set. • No typos! Have someone proof your resumé—a friend, professor, colleague or campus career services department.
Spring 2012
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26 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
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ORDER ONLINE or BY PHONE 317.872.0540 www.zetataualpha.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 (4pt., 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 2012
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Alumna Profile
Magazine makes a connection for families By Christy Marx Barber, ΑΨ Director of Communications As a young woman pregnant with twins and then a new mom with infants born a month premature, Kerri Chaney spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices, looking for something interesting to read. But it was an uninteresting publication that gave birth to an idea that is now her passion and her career. Kerri was initiated at Theta Psi Chapter (Texas State University – San Marcos) and transferred to Delta Zeta Chapter (Sam Houston State University) in 1992. While in the doctors' waiting rooms, she would browse through an unattractive directory of companies that offered services to families in Houston, but never took it home. “It was uninteresting and hard to read,” she remembers. “I thought ‘someone can do better than this.’” After the twins were born in 2001, Kerri decided not to go back to teaching, but rather stay at home with Camden and Madison. “All my friends were working. I didn’t know where to go with the twins,” she says. “There wasn’t a resource to help me find things to do.” So Kerri, with encouragement from her husband, Sean, decided in June 2010 to publish her own
magazine, Kidnnected, with the slogan of “Connecting Families to Everything Kids.”
Other companies were reluctant at first to advertise in a new publication.
“My husband and I had often come up with ideas and then not followed through on them,” Kerri says. “We just decided to jump off a cliff with both feet. He let me take a chance and see what it would take to make it work.”
Persistence and perseverance have paid off for Kerri. In the first year of publication, Kidnnected was a 24-page quarterly magazine, mailed to 30,000 homes. In 2012, it will be published six times, sometimes have 32 pages and be mailed to 45,000 homes.
Whenever Kerri and Sean came across a new magazine, they would research its advertising rates and editorial content. That research helped them develop their own business plan. Kerri decided to distribute her magazine by direct mail to a target audience of families with children birth through age 10 in specific north Houston zip codes. With the advice of a good printer and a creative team consisting of a writer, photographer and graphic designer, Kerri was ready to launch her idea. She hit the pavement in September 2010, selling ads for a magazine that didn’t exist, in hopes of publishing her first issue in November. “Some advertisers jumped on board right away because they didn’t think their kid-based business fit in other local magazines,” she says.
28 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
Kerri also credits her background as a collegiate and alumnae chapter officer and advisor with giving her tools to help launch her idea. “I learned leadership skills through ZTA. I came out of my shell and learned to talk to people comfortably,” she says. “I learned in my year as recruitment chairman to be more organized, to delegate, to ask for help and to feel confident.” Even though her twins are about to leave the targeted demographic for Kidnnected, Kerri doesn’t plan to start a new magazine for “tweeners.” But don’t tell her that idea wouldn’t work. “When someone tells me I can’t do something, I don’t back off,” Kerri says. “That just makes me push harder to make it happen.”
Extra Extra
1
1) Alumnae from the Eastern New Mexico Chapter volunteer at their area Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. 2) Orlando, FL Chapter Zetas welcome a new year of sisterhood during the chapter’s annual Kick-off Party. 3) Members of the Milledgeville, GA Chapter keep meetings fun by participating in projects like painting and hosting tea parties. 4) The Mercer Bucks, NJ Chapter enjoy a relaxed sisterhood by hosting a spa night at a local salon. 5) Zetas in Baltimore, Md. help their alumnae chapter during "A Crucial Catch" event with the Baltimore Ravens.
2 3
4
5 Spring 2012
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From the Archives
Award honors spirit of great ZTA leader By Susan Beard, ΔΨ Patricia Cords Levitte, ΒΦ Archives Committee Co-Chairmen When you enter the banquet room for the Silver Recognition Banquet at a Zeta Tau Alpha Convention, you cannot help but gasp! What catches your eye is the expansive and sparkling display of silver trays, bowls, plaques and other awards. But none of the awards is as impressive as the enormous silver tray with a beautiful arrangement of red roses sitting in the center of the display. This is the coveted Helen Margaret Harrison Award, the highest honor that all ZTA collegiate chapters aspire to win. The award is a beautiful sterling silver tray of Chippendale design, selected by Miss Harrison and given as a gift to the Fraternity at the 1954 Convention upon her retirement as National President. On the day of her retirement, the Fraternity presented Miss Harrison with an armful of red roses. The 2012 International Convention in Louisville, Ky., this summer will mark the 30th time that ZTA has presented the Helen Margaret Harrison Award to the Fraternity’s most outstanding collegiate chapter. In order to receive this award, a collegiate chapter must have consistently maintained superior chapter achievement in every area of chapter operation and programming, including recruitment, scholarship,
finances, philanthropic service and representation on campus. The chapter should be a model chapter to all others, yet maintain humbleness in its success. The first chapter ever to receive this award was Beta Tau Chapter (Albion College). The most recent recipient in 2010 was Theta Tau Chapter (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.) But who was Helen Margaret Harrison? Miss Harrison was a 1916 initiate of Xi Chapter at University of Southern California. She held a variety of offices early in her ZTA career, beginning with Province President and then Chairman/Head Hostess for the 1935 Convention in Pasadena, Calif. She served our Fraternity for 16 years on National Council, as Grand Second Vice President, Second Vice President, Alumnae Director, Extension Director, and finally as National President from 1946 to 1954. She presided over the 1948 Golden Anniversary Convention in Virginia Beach, Va. Under her leadership, the Fraternity attained superior growth and expanded our philanthropic efforts by partnering with the National Society for Crippled Children. Each year of her presidency showed more and more women recruited and initiated, with the 1953-1954 year holding the highest record during her term. During this time, four chapters were reactivated (one of them being Alpha Chapter in 1949) and 16 chapters were installed. Quite an accomplishment! Miss Harrison was an “unusually successful” National President. In archival
30 • Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha
documents, we read that she was a great motivator of the National Officers serving under her leadership. She gave each of them complete responsibility for their own department, yet she was able to bring everyone together to work as a whole. She had a good working knowledge of business and financial matters as well as knowledge of the educational and fraternity worlds. Miss Harrison knew how to cut through the “red tape,” which expedited her accomplishments. The model of how she worked as National President is the model the Fraternity now expects all ZTA chapters to follow. In her college days, Miss Harrison served as President of Xi Chapter at the University of Southern California. After she graduated from USC, she taught high school science and history. One of her hobbies included collecting rare first editions and she also loved to collect old chinaware. But of course, her favorite hobby was Zeta Tau Alpha! Miss Harrison passed away in 1984 at the age of 85. Her lifelong devotion to ZTA was remarkable, and it is fitting that our highest collegiate award is named in her honor.
Directory of Zeta Tau Alpha Founded at Longwood University • Farmville, Virginia • October 15, 1898 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (IO)
Executive Director — Deb Ensor 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: (317) 872-0540; Fax: (317) 876-3948 Website: http://www.zetataualpha.org Email: zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
FOUNDERS
Maud Jones Horner, Died August 20, 1920 Della Lewis Hundley, Died July 12, 1951 Alice Bland Coleman, Died June 11, 1956 Mary Jones Batte, Died December 3, 1957 Alice Grey Welsh, Died June 21, 1960 Ethel Coleman Van Name, Died January 24, 1964 Helen M. Crafford, Died September 17, 1964 Frances Yancey Smith, Died April 23, 1977 Ruby Leigh Orgain, Died October 22, 1984
HISTORIAN EMERITA
Mrs. Ross P. Strout (Shirley Kreasan), Died August 21, 1978
SECRETARY-TREASURER EMERITA
Mrs. Helen Winton Jenkins, Died July 1, 1987 Mrs. Nelly Galloway Shearer
NATIONAL SERVICE CHAIRMAN EMERITA
Mrs. Anne Winnes Redmond, Died November 17, 2006
EDITOR EMERITA
Mrs. Betty Hillix Foellinger, Died April 17, 1992
PUBLICATIONS
Send to IO, Attn: Department of Communications
NATIONAL COUNCIL
NATIONAL PRESIDENT — Keeley McDonald Riddle, 96 Ford Road, Landing, NJ 07850 VICE PRESIDENT COLLEGIATE — Natalie M. Yingling, 328 Fawn Trail, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (Director of Area I, including Provinces I-Alpha, I-Beta, II-Alpha, IIBeta, II-Gamma, II-Delta, III-Alpha, III-Beta, III-Gamma, IV-Alpha, IV-Beta) VICE PRESIDENT COLLEGIATE — Stacey Verkest Voigt, 1301 Tuscany Drive, Colleyville, Texas 76034 (Director of Area II, including Provinces VIAlpha, VI-Beta, VI-Gamma, VII-Alpha, VII-Beta, VII-Gamma, VIII-Alpha, VIII-Beta, VIII-Gamma, IX-Alpha, IX-Beta, X-Alpha, XI-Alpha, XI-Beta, XIGamma, XI-Delta) VICE PRESIDENT COLLEGIATE — Kelley Snow Harmon, 2803 Elizabeth Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 (Director of
Area III, including Provinces XII-Alpha, XII-Beta, XIII-Alpha, XIV-Alpha, XV-Alpha, XVI-Alpha, XVI-Beta, XVII-Alpha, XVII-Beta, XVII-Gamma XVIII-Alpha, XVIIIBeta, XIX-Alpha, XIX-Beta) VICE PRESIDENT ALUMNAE — Lori A. Peters, 3784 Nathan Court, Brunswick, OH 44212 (Director of Area I, including Districts I-Alpha, I-Beta, II-Alpha, III-Alpha, III-Beta, IV-Alpha, VI-Alpha, VII-Alpha, VII-Beta, VIIIAlpha, VIII-Beta, IX-Alpha, XII-Alpha, XVI-Alpha, XVIBeta) VICE PRESIDENT ALUMNAE — Diane Hanson Keegan, 23855 Mountain Laurel Court, Murrieta, CA 92562 (Director of Area II, including Districts X-Alpha, XI-Alpha, XIBeta, XI-Gamma, XI-Delta, XIII-Alpha, XIV-Alpha, XVAlpha, XV-Beta, XV-Gamma, XVII-Alpha, XVIII-Alpha, XVIII-Beta, XVIII-Gamma, XIX-Alpha, XIX-Beta, XIXGamma) SECRETARY-TREASURER — Dinah Jackson Laughery, 3513 Savoy Court, Austin, TX 78738 NPC DELEGATE — Laura Ladewig Mauro, 801 Circle Drive, Winnsboro, TX 75494 EXTENSION DIRECTOR — Marlene Dunbar Conrad, 5637 Harbormist Drive, Powder Springs, GA, 30127
ZETA TAU ALPHA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION (NHC)
PRESIDENT — Julia Marthaler Hill, 290 Highland View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242 VICE PRESIDENT — Martha Gorum Jackson, 4187 North Sabino Mountain Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750 TREASURER — Dinah Helms Cook, 188 Gregg Parkway, Columbia, SC 29206 SECRETARY — Marty E. Sik, 1217 Newbridge Trace, Atlanta, GA 30319 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Susan Beard, 2309 Empire Road, Birmingham, AL 35226 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Cynthia Byars Courtney, 5644 Pillsbury Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55419 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Jayne Ann Scoggins Hungate, 1671 E. Caracas Ave, Hershey, PA 17033 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Jan Spradley McCarthy, 903 Sleepy Hollow Cove, Oxford, MS 38655 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Kay McCoy McKelvey, 5635 Mistridge Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Terri Dew Millsap, 111 E. Edgewood Drive, Homewood, AL 35209 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Lacy Schneider O’Connor, 5403 Braxtonshire, Houston, TX 77069 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Dorothy Coates Pataky, 5830 Old Ranch Road, Riverside, CA 92504 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Nancy Jo Floyd Stipp, 210 King George Road, Greenville, SC 29615 DIRECTOR AT LARGE — Christine Flora Stull-Walter, 1044 Saratoga Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46280
DIRECTOR — Keeley McDonald Riddle (See National President) DIRECTOR — Dinah Jackson Laughery (See National Secretary-Treasurer) DIRECTOR — Becky Hainsworth Kirwan (See Foundation President)
ZETA TAU ALPHA FOUNDATION
PRESIDENT — Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, 14601 Beach Road, Chesterfield, VA 23838 VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT — Deb Ensor (See Executive Director) VICE PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPY — Sherry Server Tilley, 8028 Fawnwood Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46278 VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOLARSHIP — Catherine G. Slaughter, 9212 Cedardale Drive, Plano, TX 75025 SECRETARY/TREASURER — Kay Dill Kreutzer, 25035 W. Beachgrove Road, Antioch, IL 60002 DIRECTOR — Ms. Martha C. Edens, 6311 Eastshore Road, Columbia, SC 29206 DIRECTOR — Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, 7219 FM 755, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 DIRECTOR — Keeley McDonald Riddle (See National President) DIRECTOR — Dinah Jackson Laughery (See National Secretary-Treasurer) DIRECTOR — Julia Marthaler Hill (See NHC President) DIRECTOR — Dinalh Helms Cook (See NHC Treasurer)
NPC DELEGATES
PD — Laura Ladewig Mauro (See NPC Delegate) PDA I — Deb Ensor (See Executive Director) PDA II — Stephanie Arnette Powell, 2421 Bagley Road, Cumming, GA 30041 PDA III — Malaea Nelms Seleski, 440 SE. 1st Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
TRAVELING LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS
Anastacia Ansell, Liz Austin, Janell Gibson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Jessica Kosty, Brittany Lee, Gemma Leggere, Casey Moore, Caitlin Moulton, Jessica Panzarella, Jessica Patterson, Casey Plastek, Louisa Roberts, Kaitlyn Thompson, Lauren Vardaman, Lauren Weilbacher. Send TLC mail c/o ZTA International Office, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
INSURANCE CONSULTANT
MJ Insurance, Inc., Sorority Division, 9225 Priority Way West Drive, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240; 888-442-7470; www.mjsorority.
Zeta Tau Alpha is now on Pinterest Have you heard about Pinterest, the new media site that allows users to create virtual pinboards where they can share and gather things they like on the Internet? Over the past year, Pinterest has become the fastest social media site to reach 10 million users—faster than both Facebook and Twitter—and ZTA is now a part of it! Pinterest allows ZTA to share good news, inspiration, and ideas for personal growth and programming with members and friends in a visual way. From little-
known fraternity education tidbits to sisterhood ideas, from the latest Crown & Co. items to service projects Zetas are doing, our Pinterest boards visually tell the story of the lifelong Zeta experience. As of April 1, ZTA has 16 different boards focusing on various aspects of membership such as: • Fun Event & Programming Ideas • ZTA Alumnae Sisterhood Ideas • Snaps & Good ZTA News • Think Pink, Think Zeta® • ZTA Letters, Banners & Shirts
• ZTA Links: Leadership, Wellness and Transition • Zeta Style: Crown & Co. • Academic Achievement Follow ZTA and get pinning at www.pinterest.com/ZetaTauAlpha.
Spring 2012
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Initiated in 2004? to remain on the Themis mailing list, you must notify ZTA by december 15, 2012. ______ Yes, I wish to remain on the Themis mailing list. • • •
______ No, I do not wish to remain on the Themis mailing list.
You may complete this form and mail it to International Office, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. You may also update online in the Sisters Only portion of www.zetataualpha.org. If you are not registered for Sisters Only on the ZTA website, set your browser to www.zetataualpha.org and click “Sign Up” in the top right-hand corner. Follow the instructions to create your username and password. After you are registered, log in to Sisters Only to connect with your personal page and select “Edit Profile.” On the “Edit Your Profile” page, select “Communicate with ZTA” and check the box to receive Themis.
Collegiate Chapter: __________________________________ Year of Initiation: _____________ Alumnae Chapter: ______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Miss/Ms./Mrs. First Middle Maiden Married
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address
__________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________ City
State
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Daytime Phone: (_____________) ___________________________________ Home Phone: (_____________) _____________________________
PARENTS: While your daughter is in college, her magazine is sent to her home address. We hope you enjoy it. If she is no longer in college and is not living at home, please send an email to zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org to give us her new address. Include “Address Change” in the subject line. Thank you!