Themis—Summer 2016

THEMIS of Zeta Tau Alpha | Summer 2016

From Where I Sit Summer 2016 Vol. 114 No. 4 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) 3450 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 872-0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org

STAFF Editor Ellen Crawford Graphic Designer Haleigh Castino, Alpha Psi Director of Communication Ashley Sherman Contributors Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Susan Beard, Delta Psi Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Ashley Steiner, Delta Psi Lenie Tsakonas, Lambda Epsilon

NATIONAL COUNCIL National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Vice President Collegiate I Natalie Yingling, Delta Omega Vice President Collegiate II Lynn Compton Chapman, Alpha Nu Vice President Collegiate III Kristen Moeller Fauré, Iota Pi Vice President Alumnae I Dana Brasington Atkinson, Delta Omicron Vice President Alumnae II Alicia Patten Williams, Theta Psi Secretary-Treasurer Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Laura Ladewig Mauro, Theta Psi Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad, Eta Iota

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with Danielle Miller

A little over two years ago, I made a big decision that affected almost every aspect of my life. The global team at work was reorganizing and wanted me to take a new position…in Belgium. I hadn’t expected such an opportunity so suddenly, but with the support of my family and friends, I made the move from Missouri to Brussels, and I haven’t looked back.

It took time to find my routine and adjust to new cultural norms and different languages, but throughout it all there was one constant that helped me cope: ZTA. Thank goodness we live in a time when staying connected is so effortless. With technology, I’ve found it easy to stay informed of Fraternity news and to keep in touch with my ZTA friends.

Shortly after I made the move, I was the first dues-paying member for the year in my hometown alumnae chapter (St. Louis, MO Chapter).

There was zero chance I was going to lose touch with the amazing women there. By being connected with the chapter calendar, I’ve been able to join some events while in town for work or personal reasons.

My plan is to be a lifetime member of my hometown alumnae chapter, regardless of where I live, and I highly recommend others do the same.

I also joined the ZTAlways virtual alumnae group as another way to stay connected, and I’ve enjoyed expanding my ZTA network through Facebook and our interest groups. After the tragic bombings in Brussels, it warmed my heart that so many of my cherished sisters reached out to me, including those I only know through virtual interactions. I’ve never felt the power of our sisterhood so personally.

I always knew I would be able to find ZTA sisterhood at any age. What I’ve learned is that I’ll be able to find it wherever I am across the globe, as well. Although I don’t know how long I’ll be in Belgium or where I’ll go next, it’s nice to know wherever I am, the connections I have with ZTA will be there to support me along the way.

Danielle is an alumna of Eta Theta Chapter (Missouri University of Science and Technology) and former District President XVII–A.

ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION President Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, Epsilon Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron Secretary Marty E. Sik, Alpha Chi Directors at Large Susan Beard, Delta Psi Jan Spradley McCarthy, Gamma Phi Kay McCoy McKelvey, Delta Delta Karen Farmer Mills, Gamma Iota Terri Dew Millsap, Alpha Nu Casey Guimbellot Pash, Iota Chi Anne Petro Tamulaitis, Alpha Kappa Christine Flora Walter, Gamma Chi Karla Lundgren Wheeler, Psi Five Zetas share their experiences with living and traveling abroad.

Check out how they’ve inspired others, stayed connected to ZTA and found themselves in the process on page 22.

Committee Members Kristine Fleming, Eta Theta Susan Brown Long, Gamma Iota Julie Ward Moxley, Theta Sigma Leah Fields Ozment, Nu

Alpha Zeta Chapter reactivated at Ohio State, page 32 Buckeye Nation rejoiced with the reactivation of Alpha Zeta Chapter at The Ohio State University in April. Along with 189 new initiates and two affiliated members, nearly 600 attendees celebrated ZTA’s largest colonization to date.

Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma

Properties by design, page 34 Throughout the summer, FHC directors work diligently to update, redecorate and renovate chapter facilities across the country. See how they sift through samples, purchase furniture and make our facilities the perfect places for sisterhood to thrive.

ZTA FOUNDATION President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta

The women behind ZTA’s top awards, page 40 Learn more about five of the top awards that will be presented at Convention 2016 in Phoenix and the inspiring ZTA leaders for whom they are named.

Vice President of Scholarship Catherine G. Slaughter, Alpha Eta

Things We Zeta Love Founders Club Collegiate Chapter News Collegian Profile Alumnae Chapter News

Vice President of Special Events Cynthia Byars Courtney, Gamma Tau Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dill Kreutzer, Eta Rho

In this issue 4 5 9 14 15

Vice President of Philanthropy Sherry Server Tilley, Zeta Alpha

20 21 30 36 38

Alumna Profile Scholarship Story 1898 Collection ZTA Foundation News Points of Pride

Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron Summer 2016 · 3

Things We

Zeta Love

Travel craft Display your summer travels in a unique way with this easy craft. Start with a map of a city you’ve visited and use one of the templates from the “Themis Extras” page of the ZTA website to add a travel quote from one of the ZTA sisters in this issue’s feature story. Frame it and hang it up for a daily reminder of your best #ZTAdventure.

What inspires me As the General Advisor of Upsilon Chapter at University of California, Berkeley, I’m inspired by the amazing group of young women I work with.

Watching these ladies set goals, work really hard and then achieve those goals makes me so proud. It encourages me to continue to work on my own goals and strive for greatness in my personal life.

Seeing this chapter work together to make a positive impact on UC Berkeley’s fraternity/sorority community makes me proud to be a Zeta. In addition, it inspires me to take an active role in my alumnae chapter and assist with events and programs that enrich my community.

Elisabeth Smith Marriott Delta Eta Chapter West Texas A&M University

Don’t miss an issue!

If you were initiated in 2008, you must update your information in Sisters Only to remain on the Themis mailing list. Access Sisters Only through www. zetataualpha.org and click “Update Information and Privacy Settings” to enter your contact information. Once everything is up-to-date, select “Communicate with ZTA” and check the box to continue receiving Themis.

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Illustrator spotlight With the help of collegian Ashley Steiner (Delta Psi Chapter, Samford University), we’ve turned this issue’s feature story into your very own adult coloring book. Turn to page 22 to “Color Your World” and read about our global community.

Be on the lookout for ZTA symbols as you color, and share pictures of your artwork with us on social media or by emailing news@zetataualpha.org.

The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation recognizes collegiate and alumnae chapters that excel in fundraising each biennium. Thanks to contributions from chapters, the Foundation is able to fund important educational and leadership programs, the scholarship program and philanthropic endeavors. Chapters raising $10,000 or more during the biennium are named to the Founders Club. Congratulations to the 2014–16 honorees.

Those interested in contributing to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation can visit zetataualpha.org/donate.

$50,000+ Level

Zeta Psi Chapter Jacksonville State University

Alpha Gamma Chapter University of Michigan

Kappa Chapter The University of Texas at Austin

Theta Gamma Chapter Texas A&M University

Alpha Omicron Chapter The University of Iowa

Theta Iota Chapter University of North Florida

Alpha Upsilon Chapter Oklahoma State University

Theta Zeta Chapter Wofford College

Gamma Zeta Chapter Mississippi State University

Theta Xi Chapter Rutgers University

Gamma Omicron Chapter Central Michigan University

Theta Tau Chapter The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Gamma Phi Chapter University of North Texas

Alpha Theta Chapter Purdue University Alpha Xi Chapter Indiana University Alpha Psi Chapter University of Missouri Beta Gamma Chapter Florida State University Beta Omicron Chapter University of South Carolina Gamma Alpha Chapter University of Miami Gamma Iota Chapter University of Florida Gamma Pi Chapter The University of Georgia Gamma Rho Chapter Auburn University

Theta Phi Chapter California State University, Fullerton Iota Phi Chapter North Carolina State University Kappa Zeta Chapter Clemson University Kappa Sigma Chapter University of South Florida Austin, TX Alumnae Chapter

Gamma Tau Chapter Texas Tech University

Houston, TX Alumnae Association

Delta Gamma Chapter High Point University

Youngstown, OH Alumnae Chapter

Delta Kappa Chapter Louisiana State University

$25,000 Level

Zeta Gamma Chapter Youngstown State University

Epsilon Chapter University of Arkansas

Zeta Xi Chapter Georgia Southern University

Memphis, TN Alumnae Chapter

Zeta Chapter University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Gamma Omega Chapter University of Houston Delta Zeta Chapter Sam Houston State University Zeta Lambda Chapter Rider University Zeta Sigma Chapter The University of Texas at Arlington Eta Gamma Chapter West Chester University of Pennsylvania Eta Kappa Chapter University of Central Florida Eta Xi Chapter Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Eta Mu Chapter Augusta University Eta Rho Chapter The University of North Alabama

ZTA Foundation News · Summer 2016 · 5

Eta Theta Chapter Missouri University of Science and Technology Eta Phi Chapter Illinois State University Theta Eta Chapter Stephen F. Austin State University Theta Omicron Chapter Baylor University Theta Psi Chapter Texas State University-San Marcos Theta Chi Chapter George Mason University Theta Omega Chapter California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Iota Theta Chapter Georgia Institute of Technology Iota Omega Chapter University of Maryland Lambda Epsilon Chapter Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Lambda Iota Chapter Vanderbilt University Dallas, TX Alumnae Association San Antonio, TX Alumnae Chapter

$10,000 Level Alpha Chapter Longwood University Mu Chapter Drury University Nu Chapter The University of Alabama Alpha Phi Chapter Northwestern University Beta Delta Chapter Miami University Beta Theta Chapter Franklin College Beta Iota Chapter Centenary College of Louisiana Beta Lambda Chapter University of Louisville Beta Phi Chapter Michigan State University Beta Psi Chapter Stetson University Gamma Kappa Chapter James Madison University

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Gamma Mu Chapter University of Nebraska at Omaha

Iota Eta Chapter University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Gamma Nu Chapter University of Virginia

Iota Iota Chapter Fairleigh Dickinson University

Gamma Chi Chapter Indiana State University

Iota Pi Chapter University of Dayton

Gamma Psi Chapter Texas Christian University

Iota Rho Chapter East Carolina University

Delta Theta Chapter Ohio Northern University

Iota Chi Chapter Middle Tennessee State University

Delta Mu Chapter The University of Tennessee at Martin

Kappa Beta Chapter Presbyterian College

Delta Lambda Chapter Georgia State University

Kappa Alpha Chapter Colorado State University

Delta Sigma Chapter Lamar University

Kappa Eta Chapter Rockhurst University

Delta Psi Chapter Samford University

Kappa Theta Chapter California State University, San Bernardino

Delta Omega Chapter Westminster College

Kappa Nu Chapter Monmouth University

Zeta Alpha Chapter University of Evansville

Kappa Xi Chapter Stockton University

Zeta Beta Chapter Thiel College

Kappa Omicron Chapter Merrimack College

Zeta Theta Chapter East Central University

Kappa Pi Chapter University of South Carolina Aiken

Eta Beta Chapter Duquesne University

Kappa Tau Chapter Florida Gulf Coast University

Eta Zeta Chapter Elon University

Kappa Upsilon Chapter Georgia College

Eta Iota Chapter Valdosta State University

Kappa Chi Chapter Shorter University

Eta Lambda Chapter College of Charleston

Kappa Omega Chapter Saint Louis University

Eta Nu Chapter Radford University

Lambda Gamma Chapter The University of Texas at San Antonio

Eta Pi Chapter Wright State University

Lambda Delta Chapter Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Eta Tau Chapter The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Lambda Eta Chapter Virginia Commonwealth University

Theta Delta Chapter Salisbury University Theta Kappa Chapter University of Missouri-St. Louis

Lambda Theta Chapter New York University Lambda Lambda Chapter Kennesaw State University Miami, FL Alumnae Chapter

Theta Nu Chapter Auburn University at Montgomery

Northern New Jersey Alumnae Chapter

Theta Sigma Chapter Winthrop University

Rocky Mountain, CO Alumnae Chapter

Iota Alpha Chapter Robert Morris University

St. Louis, MO Alumnae Chapter

Iota Gamma Chapter The College of New Jersey

Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter San Diego, CA Alumnae Chapter

Membership Information Sheet University: Visit www.zetataualpha.org/mis for more information on how to submit this form to collegiate chapters.

Potential New Member Information Name: Home Address: Name of Parent(s) or Guardian(s): High School: Class Size:

Unweighted GPA:

Unweighted GPA Scale:

Graduation Year:

Weighted GPA:

Weighted GPA Scale:

Potential New Member is a (check one):

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

School(s) attended after high school, if any: Previous College GPA:

Term(s) Completed:

Potential New Member Legacy Affiliations Sister:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Mother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Grandmother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Great-Grandmother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Other NPC Affiliations: Membership Information Sheet ¡ Summer 2016 ¡ 7

Potential New Member Qualifications

Note: Please do not duplicate information between sections.

Leadership/Honors (positions, awards, etc.):

Involvement (clubs, athletics, etc.):

Volunteer (service, religious, civic, etc.):

Additional information, if any: Why would this PNM be an asset to ZTA?

Potential New Member Other Information

Note: This information will be utilized by the chapter to enhance the experience of the PNM during recruitment.

Suggested topics of conversation: What type of member should the PNM meet during recruitment (leader, academic, athletic, social-oriented, etc.)?

Reference Information

Please indicate at least one of the following for relationship between referring individual and the PNM.

For this Potential New Member, I would like to (check one): Check one that applies: Personally known the PNM for Personally known the PNM’s family for

Highly Recommend

Recommend

year(s) year(s)

Do not personally know the PNM. Source of information: Alumna Information Name:

Date:

Address: Phone Number: Email Address: Alumnae Chapter: Alumna Signature: 8 · THEMIS · Membership Information Sheet

Collegiate Chapter: Initiation Date (Year):

Collegiate Chapter News 2 Alpha Longwood University The sisters of Alpha Chapter enjoyed nature this past semester. They headed to a local park that featured a petting zoo, gardens and waterfalls.

Together they bonded while touring the park and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Theta Bethany College This spring, members of Theta Chapter hosted a Pink Out baseball game to support breast cancer education and awareness. Baseball players were decked out in all pink and the women sold refreshments to boost funds for ZTA’s philanthropy.

1 Lambda Southwestern University The sisters of Lambda Chapter competed in their university’s annual Sing competition. With 100 percent chapter participation, teamwork and sisterhood led to them winning the people’s choice award, best costumes and first place overall. This was the chapter’s 11th win, giving

it the distinction of the most wins out of any other organization on Southwestern’s campus.

Mu Drury University The Sunshine and Sisterhood chairmen from this chapter teamed up to host a scrapbooking sisterhood.

Members enjoyed getting together to decorate their own unique pages. The scrapbook will be completed by the Historian-Reporter to preserve the chapter history and memories from the past year, and the book will be displayed during recruitment.

Omicron Brenau University The sisters of Omicron Chapter spent a recent Saturday morning volunteering at a transitional shelter for women and children. Chapter members learned the nobility of serving by helping build and restore furniture and planting flowers around the shelter.

Alpha Mu Washburn University Love truly is the greatest of all things.

The sisters of Alpha Mu Chapter spent

Valentine’s Day together making cards for patients at a local hospital.

The valentines and candy touched the hearts of many.

Alpha Xi Indiana University Alpha Xi Chapter implemented an event following Bid Day to make new members feel welcomed and to help them connect to their temporary Big Sisters. Crown Sister pairs decorated picture frames to display the new member class photo. This event was an amazing way for new members to picture themselves as lifelong members of ZTA. Alpha Psi University of Missouri Alpha Psi Chapter hosted its first kickball tournament to promote breast cancer education and awareness. Members of fraternities and sororities on campus and the university football team came out to play. During the week, chapter members also invited students and faculty to share who they “think pink” for on a large banner.

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4 Beta Omega Union University This past semester, the sisters of Beta Omega Chapter volunteered at the Glow Run, hosted by the American Cancer Society®. They spent the evening cheering on participants, passing out water bottles and cleaning up the course.

Gamma Xi Indiana University of Pennsylvania Gamma Xi Chapter hosted its second annual “Play for Pink” flag football tournament. The event was a huge success, bringing numerous campus organizations together to play and support ZTA’s philanthropy.

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Gamma Rho Auburn University Many sisters of Gamma Rho Chapter spent their Saturdays volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. Members gave their time to an awesome cause and sisterhood blossomed. Getting to know sisters from different new member classes on a deeper level was a great perk of this volunteer opportunity.

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Gamma Tau Texas Tech University Gamma Tau Chapter hosted its inaugural “Pancakes for a Cure” fundraiser to support breast cancer education and awareness. Members sold tickets to students, family, friends and the community for allyou-can-eat pink pancakes.

Delta Beta Florida Southern College The sisters of Delta Beta Chapter attended a movie sisterhood event at a small local theater. Before a screening of “Miss Congeniality,” the owners of the theater gave the women a tour that focused on the long history of the facility, which was built in 1928.

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6 Delta Eta West Texas A&M University To celebrate the end of an amazing semester, the sisters of Delta Eta Chapter took a trip to a local park.

This gave the chapter an opportunity to bond all day long while playing

games and participating in teambuilding exercises.

Delta Zeta Sam Houston State University Delta Zeta Chapter hosted its 16th annual “Crown Classic” golf tournament to raise money for the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. Local businesses sponsored the event and donated items for the raffle, and members decorated each hole with a different theme. Following the competition, players enjoyed a dinner and awards ceremony.

Delta Theta Ohio Northern University The sisters of Delta Theta Chapter participated in Greek Week on Ohio Northern’s campus. Their theme this year was “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Throughout the week, they won kickball, volleyball, a 5K relay and events during the Greek Olympics. They concluded the week with a second place finish, proving that “Zetas have the golden ticket.”

Delta Mu The University of Tennessee at Martin Delta Mu Chapter hosted a “Zeta Tau Aloha” sisterhood. The sisters enjoyed snow cones, cotton candy, hamburgers and hotdogs. They spent a beautiful day outdoors testing their limbo skills and playing kiddie pool kickball.

5 Delta Nu The University of New Orleans In March, the sisters of Delta Nu Chapter hosted their annual “Batting Out Breast Cancer” event. Eleven baseball teams of students, parents and alumnae came out to play. The event also featured a silent auction.

Delta Pi Eastern New Mexico University The sisters of Delta Pi Chapter participated in a local community beautification project hosted by Eastern New Mexico University.

Members re-painted a park and removed trash in an effort to thank the town for being their home away from home.

Delta Upsilon West Virginia Wesleyan College To raise money for the ZTA Foundation, Delta Upsilon Chapter hosted “Pancakes with Princesses.”

Community members who purchased tickets enjoyed delicious pancakes and the littlest attendees posed for pictures with chapter members who were dressed like princesses.

3 Delta Omega Westminster College The sisters of Delta Omega Chapter hosted a tea party for their mothers.

Each mother/daughter pair brought a homemade dish to share with the chapter. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch, laughter and conversation.

7 Zeta Theta East Central University The women of Zeta Theta Chapter honored their grandparents in a special way this semester, with a luncheon, games of bingo and fun photos. It was a great day that showed their grandparents how much they are appreciated.

Eta Zeta Elon University During midterm week, the sisters of this chapter relieved some stress by sweating it out during a boot camp session. The one-hour workout was led by the chapter President, who shared her passion for exercise and Zeta Tau Alpha sisterhood.

Eta Iota Valdosta State University Eta Iota Chapter recently reinstated Founders groups in an effort to build a stronger sisterhood. Each member on the Executive Committee oversees a group and encourages them to attend events together.

Eta Nu Radford University In recognition of the 44th anniversary of their chapter’s installation, sisters enjoyed a spaghetti dinner while looking through scrapbooks from the past. It was a great way to celebrate

the history of their sisterhood at Radford University.

Eta Sigma The University of North Carolina at Pembroke The sisters of Eta Sigma Chapter blasted into the past this semester with a sisterhood called “Saved by the Crown.” Members danced to music from the 80s, dressed in the clothing of the decade and enjoyed a friendly game of bowling.

Eta Tau The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Eta Tau Chapter hosted its annual “Pink Picnic” on campus. A local company donated food for the event and chapter members designed a T-shirt to sell to friends and parents in attendance. All proceeds went to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.

Eta Upsilon Missouri Southern State University Eta Upsilon Chapter members spent the Saturdays of this semester volunteering. Sisters visited the local animal shelter, cleaned up popular trails in Joplin, Missouri, and volunteered at the Children’s Haven. These service projects truly symbolized living The Creed.

Eta Chi Francis Marion University This chapter hosted a party following the last meeting of the semester to celebrate the coming of summer and to say goodbye to the graduating seniors. Each member was awarded a fun sisterhood superlative and the seniors shared words of wisdom, memories and a reflection on their four years in the chapter.

Theta Gamma Texas A&M University The two Sisterhood chairmen of Theta Gamma Chapter hosted a memorable event this semester called “Karaoke and Queso.” After sampling some delicious Mexican food, members requested their favorite tunes from the DJ and sang their hearts out.

Collegiate Chapter News · Summer 2016 · 11

Theta Delta Salisbury University Theta Delta Chapter dedicated a week of the semester to ZTA’s philanthropy with its Pink Out Week. Sisters passed out pink lemonade, collected spare change in rain boots for “Give Cancer the Boot,” volunteered for “Pie a Zeta,” invited community members to “Kiss Away Cancer” and more.

hosted a social media presentation for this chapter. They discussed the risks of posting harmful things on social media along with what an appropriate social media presence for a Zeta Tau Alpha should look like.

Theta Theta Arkansas Tech University Theta Theta Chapter hosted an enrichment program with the help of a university public relations professor.

The guest speaker discussed the importance of personal branding and a positive online presence.

12 Theta Omega California State Polytechnic University, Pomona The sisters of Theta Omega Chapter focused on healthy habits and set out for adventure this past semester with a sisterhood hike. Members hiked 6.2 miles in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, and each sister took home an engraved water bottle to commemorate the event.

Theta Tau The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Each week, a member of Theta Tau Chapter shares a motivational quote at the end of the chapter meeting. After reading the quote, she explains how it relates to the lives of members, and sisters leave with a little inspiration for the week ahead.

9 Iota Gamma The College of New Jersey Sisters of Iota Gamma Chapter enjoyed a beautiful day on campus during their spring photo shoot. Members took photos and shot video clips for upcoming recruitment videos. This was a great way to welcome new members and form a stronger sisterhood.

Theta Phi California State University, Fullerton The Historian-Reporter and Risk Reduction and Education Chairman

Iota Delta Towson University Iota Delta Chapter fulfilled the thirdyear link/wellness requirement of

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the Links Membership Enrichment Program by hosting a yoga session led by a sister who is trained in the field.

11 Iota Theta Georgia Institute of Technology The women of Iota Theta Chapter held their annual Think Pink® Week this semester to promote breast cancer education and awareness. Throughout the week, the chapter hosted a Pink Out baseball game, a breast cancer awareness presentation, a strawberry festival and a puppy kissing booth for photo opportunities.

10 Iota Iota Fairleigh Dickinson University Iota Iota Chapter hosted a Pink Out lacrosse game this past semester to support breast cancer education and awareness. Leading up to the game, members sold baked goods to students and faculty on campus.

Iota Nu Susquehanna University Members of Iota Nu Chapter expanded their global knowledge during their “World Cultures Night.”

Each sister brought a food or a game from a different culture and taught everyone in attendance about it.

Iota Sigma Old Dominion University The sisters of Iota Sigma Chapter focused on health this year with “Yoga and Yogurt.” After an hour of relaxing stretches led by one sister, members enjoyed a healthy snack of yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh fruit.

Iota Psi Rochester Institute of Technology Iota Psi Chapter members showed off their athletic abilities with active sisterhood events this semester, including badminton and volleyball nights. Sisters had a great time getting into the competitive spirit.

Kappa Zeta Clemson University This past semester, the sisters of Kappa Zeta Chapter held their annual sushi-making sisterhood. The event was hosted at a local restaurant where members were taught how to roll their own sushi. After the lesson, members enjoyed feasting on their personal creations.

Kappa Eta Rockhurst University Nothing says “happy birthday” like turquoise cupcakes and sisterhood.

Members celebrated the 22nd birthday of Kappa Eta Chapter with a

presentation of the chapter’s history and a visit from chapter alumnae who shared their favorite ZTA memories.

sold baked goods to passersby and distributed pink ribbons and pamphlets of information.

8 Kappa Theta California State University, San Bernardino The sisters of Kappa Theta Chapter participated in their campus’ annual Coyote Cares Day. They helped build freestanding library houses for local schools and churches throughout the community. This was a great way to get involved on campus and give back through service.

Kappa Omega Saint Louis University The women of this chapter brought a little happiness to the American Cancer Society® Hope Lodge in St. Louis. Sisters prepared baked goods and played bingo with cancer patients and their families multiple times throughout the semester.

Kappa Iota Moravian College Kappa Iota Chapter members sponsored “Pie a Zeta” at their campus block party. The chapter sold whipped cream pies to students and professors to raise money for ZTA’s philanthropy. The bravest chapter members volunteered to be pied.

Kappa Pi University of South Carolina Aiken The sisters of Kappa Pi Chapter hosted two “Rock-a-Thon” events to share ZTA’s philanthropy with their communities. Members occupied rocking chairs for 12 hours on campus and 24 hours in downtown Aiken, South Carolina. The women

Lambda Eta Virginia Commonwealth University This semester, the women of Lambda Eta Chapter hosted a “Zen with ZTA” fundraiser with Project Yoga Richmond. Attendees enjoyed an hour-long restorative yoga session while supporting the efforts of the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.

Lambda Mu University of South Carolina Beaufort Lambda Mu Chapter celebrated its first year of sisterhood at USCB. Sisters hosted a birthday party and invited local alumnae to join in the fun. Members recreated their installation photo, conducted the Rededication Ceremony and ate strawberry cake.

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Student teacher tests her limits

By Lenie Tsakonas, Lambda Epsilon, Communication Intern In the middle of her senior year, Chrissy Hall’s passion for becoming an educator led her more than 3,500 miles away from her Kappa Psi Chapter sisters at Kutztown University. While many collegiate Zetas are dedicated to their majors, Chrissy took her values and beliefs to the next level. Following two years of remotely tutoring students in an Alaskan village, Chrissy wanted to do more. She was offered the chance to head to the small village of King Salmon, Alaska—all expenses paid—to student teach for three months. After discussing the possible move with her family, she decided this was an opportunity that would offer a great learning experience.

While in Alaska, Chrissy referred to The Creed—“to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served...”—and used the lessons she learned in ZTA to guide her through her adventure in student teaching. “It was a no-brainer for me to step up and serve somewhere else,” she said. With The Creed in mind, Chrissy was happy to help the community in any way she could.

Although she was away from home, Chrissy was able to stay connected to ZTA while in Alaska. By chance, one of the other five teachers in her small school district was also a Zeta, and her chapter sisters reached out to her and kept her up-to-date. In return, Chrissy shared her experiences through a blog, originally intended for her mom, which quickly caught the attention of her sisters back home.

It was hard for her to be so many miles from campus, but when it was time to head home, she realized she did not want to leave. She will be returning to Alaska next year to teach in a different village.

Chrissy returned to Kutztown feeling more independent than ever before. “This experience taught me that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was,” she said. By leaving her comfort zone, Chrissy was able to grow and experience a completely different part of the country. “It sounds super cliché, but if you have the chance to travel, do it,” she said. “One hundred percent do it.”

Exploring Alaska

Life in the village was an adjustment. “The community was so rural,” Chrissy said.

“There was no pizza shop; there was one store. We had dirt roads that didn’t have street signs.”

Local impact

“However we could help the community, we did. I definitely made it a point to get involved with my students’ lives,” Chrissy said.

While in Alaska, she taught roughly 25 kids in all different grade levels.

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Meet Chrissy Hall!

She’s a recent graduate from Kappa Psi Chapter at Kutztown University.

Alumnae Chapter News Northwest Alabama Members of the Northwest Alabama Chapter held an Easter event called “Kiddos & Crowns.” Sisters brought their children for a paint party and chose either a piece of pottery or a canvas to decorate with their kids.

Sacramento California Sisters of the Sacramento, CA Chapter held a “Fake It or Make It” event.

Each member brought a sweet treat and the others had to guess whether it was homemade or purchased.

The member with the most correct guesses went home with a prize.

San Diego California With the help of an instructor, sisters from this chapter created tropical seascape canvases during their paint party. A portion of the money collected from registration fees and refreshments was donated to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.

1 Ft. Collins Colorado Women from this alumnae chapter attended a Fort Collins Area Alumnae Panhellenic brunch at a local country club. The event raised funds for two scholarships, and ZTA had the largest presence of any other Panhellenic group in attendance.

Clearwater Florida Each month, members of the Clearwater, FL Chapter “Dine on the 9s,” in honor of ZTA’s Founders.

Sisters gather at a different restaurant to catch up and celebrate sisterhood.

This recurring event is a great hit that has boosted membership.

Gainesville Florida The Gainesville, FL Chapter collaborated with local collegians to host this year’s “Red Carpet Royalty” Zeta Day in Florida. The festivities began with a gathering

at the Gamma Iota Chapter house at the University of Florida called “Mocktails and Memories.” The next day, the main event featured numerous photo opportunities and a silent auction.

Greater Ft. Lauderdale Florida Sisters of this alumnae chapter paired with members of the neighboring Palm Beach County, FL Chapter to attend a horse-racing event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. They dressed to the nines, toured the grounds and had an amazing time mingling with sisters.

2 Athens Georgia Women from the Athens, GA Chapter were happy to support the sisters of Gamma Pi Chapter (The University of Georgia) for their 28th annual “Diamond Challenge” softball tournament fundraiser. The event

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featured food trucks, giveaways, vendors and raffles.

Cobb County Georgia Members of the Cobb County, GA Chapter collected prom dresses, shoes and accessories for a local organization called Becca’s Closet.

This cause provides prom essentials for young girls whose families cannot afford to buy them.

Northwest Georgia Alumnae from the Northwest Georgia Chapter who serve as advisors for Kappa Chi Chapter at Shorter University enjoyed a mixer with the collegiate Executive Committee. The collegians hosted the alumnae on campus and cooked an Italian dinner for everyone.

Chicago West Suburban Illinois To give members more ways to stay connected, the Chicago West Suburban, IL Chapter utilizes Crown Connection groups, including one that hosts monthly lunches around town. Chapter members meet up to connect, seek advice and catch up on daily life.

City of Chicago Illinois Each month, sisters of this chapter gather for food and fun at a new restaurant in the city of Chicago.

They recently went to a countrywestern restaurant where they feasted on delicious barbecue and listened to dueling guitars.

Franklin Indiana The women of the Franklin, IN Chapter enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by a few alumnae sisters.

The leading members explained the steps of preparing the dishes, shared the tools they prefer to use in the kitchen and provided recipes and tips. To tie service into the event, members donated items for a local food pantry.

16 · THEMIS · Alumnae Chapter News

Lexington Kentucky Sisters of the Lexington, KY Chapter proved that Zetas live The Creed well after graduation. They prepared sandwiches for the homeless at a local church that a fellow sister attends.

Baltimore City and Northern Maryland Members of these two alumnae chapters hosted a potluck brunch to welcome seniors from Iota Delta Chapter (Towson University) to the alumnae world. The event gave everyone a great opportunity to mingle, network and learn more about how the bonds of ZTA last forever.

6 Greater Oxford Mississippi Members of this alumnae chapter got together with a local high school softball team to spread breast cancer education and awareness at their “Strike Out for a Cure” game in March. Sisters were on-site to distribute Think Pink® ribbons and pink beaded necklaces.

Mid-Missouri The Mid-Missouri Chapter was awarded the Collegiate Chapter Support Award at this year’s Missouri and Kansas Zeta Day. Many members of this chapter serve on the advisory board for Alpha Psi Chapter at University of Missouri.

3 Springfield Missouri This chapter hosted its annual alumnae/collegiate tea party with Mu Chapter (Drury University). This year’s theme was “Downton Abbey” and awards were given in categories such as best dressed and best accent.

The event also featured a short lesson on how to be a Zeta Lady at high tea.

Lincoln Nebraska Members of the Lincoln, NE Chapter attended this year’s Nebraska Zeta Day and listened to motivational presentations on inspiring greatness.

Seven alumnae received their White

Violet pins for 50 years of membership and 11 seniors participated in the Alumnae Initiation Service.

Omaha Nebraska Members of this alumnae chapter gathered with local collegians for a game night. Together they had fun playing games, catching up and snacking. It was a great way to get to know collegiate members.

Southern Nevada Sisters from this chapter participated in Iota Eta Chapter’s annual “Strike Out Cancer” softball tournament at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Alumnae formed a team and were coached by one of the collegians who is also one alumna’s daughter.

Mercer-Bucks New Jersey In March, members of the MercerBucks, NJ Chapter held its annual “Everything Green” party. Every aspect of the event, from the food to the attire, was green, right in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Eastern New Mexico The sisters of this alumnae chapter were striving for greatness when they implemented Executive Committee training. With the help of their District President, each member of EC was able to better understand her position in the alumnae chapter.

5 Rochester New York Members of this chapter enjoyed celebrating International Zeta Day with sisters from upstate New York and Canada. Making the day even more special, the Rochester, NY Chapter President presented the Zeta Lady award to one of her alumnae chapter sisters.

Charlotte North Carolina Sisters of the Charlotte, NC Chapter participated in an aerial silks class.

With a focus on fitness, they brought in a private instructor and reached

3 outside their comfort zones for a unique sisterhood experience.

Fayetteville-Pembroke North Carolina The sisters of this alumnae chapter got together for a night on the town and learned how to line-dance. This gave them an amazing opportunity to learn something new and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood.

7 Greenville North Carolina The sisters of the Greenville, NC Chapter had a productive meeting discussing the chapter’s revamping phase. The women are focusing on increasing membership and working diligently to support the local collegiate chapter.

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Hickory-Morganton North Carolina The Hickory-Morganton, NC Chapter kicked off the season with a spring social with Delta Omicron Chapter at Lenoir-Rhyne University, and then hosted the annual Alumnae Initiation Service for the collegiate chapter’s graduating seniors.

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Research Triangle North Carolina Alumnae from this chapter joined members from Iota Phi Chapter at North Carolina State University for a night of minor league baseball in Durham, North Carolina. It was a fun way to connect with local collegians.

Cincinnati Ohio In March, the women of this chapter held a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Dressed in green, everyone learned about the myths and legends behind the Irish holiday. They also enjoyed a performance of Irish folk songs.

4 Cleveland-West Ohio Zeta Is Forever, and this alumnae chapter showed just that. With the reactivation of Alpha Zeta Chapter at The Ohio State University in April,

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these alumnae found the perfect opportunity to fulfill the lifelong wish of one Alpha Zeta sister who was initiated in 1953: to welcome back the chapter where she began her journey with Zeta Tau Alpha.

Stillwater Oklahoma Members of the Stillwater, OK Chapter joined the sisters of Alpha Upsilon Chapter (Oklahoma State University) for their third annual senior/alumnae event. This luncheon offered alumnae an opportunity to discuss the importance of staying involved in Zeta Tau Alpha after college with their sisters who are about to enter the alumnae world.

Philadelphia Pennsylvania New and longtime members of this alumnae chapter gathered to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. They enjoyed each other’s company over dinner. It was a beneficial event that truly helped connect the chapter.

Southern New England Rhode Island For their annual fundraiser, the members of this chapter assembled finals study bags, which included school supplies and water bottles, for Lambda Beta Chapter (University of Rhode Island). Parents had the 18 · THEMIS · Alumnae Chapter News

opportunity to purchase bags for their daughters.

Upper Palmetto South Carolina To support the women of Theta Sigma Chapter at Winthrop University, the sisters of this alumnae chapter held an event to assemble exam treats.

Members enjoyed socializing while putting the bags together.

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Nashville Tennessee A spring kickoff celebration is a great way to get excited about sisterhood.

The women of this chapter hosted a Mardi Gras brunch at the chapter President’s house. Sisters enjoyed a traditional King Cake, as well as other goodies, and took pictures with Mardi Gras masks and beads.

Austin Texas The women of the Austin, TX Chapter got together with collegians from Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin) to celebrate love, the greatest of all things, this Valentine’s Day. Sisters of all ages and their families enjoyed visiting a petting zoo, creating valentines, getting their faces painted and decorating cookies for everyone to share.

10 Collin County Texas Alumnae from this chapter gathered for their end-of-the-year “Favorite Things” party. Members brought three of their favorite item from their collegiate years and shared the story behind it with everyone. Some fun items included hair scrunchies and ramen noodles.

Corpus Christi Texas Members of this alumnae chapter gathered to say goodbye to a sister who was moving across the country.

Although the women were sad to see their sister go, the chapter enjoyed one last special dinner together.

Cypress Texas The members of this chapter celebrated Valentine’s Day at a local Italian restaurant. The venue offered a fun and intimate setting for sisters to socialize, share a delicious dinner and celebrate their love for ZTA. 11 Denton Texas The women of the Denton, TX Chapter showed off their artistic skills at their sisterhood paint night. Members created canvases with a fleur-de-lis to go with the Mardi Gras theme, enjoyed

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light refreshments and celebrated the recent engagement of a member.

El Paso Texas This alumnae chapter paired up with Gamma Gamma Chapter (The University of Texas at El Paso) to host a mothers/legacies tea. The event included the mother’s pinning ceremony, a legacy pinning and mother/daughter keepsake photos.

Houston Texas Fifty years of membership in Zeta Tau Alpha is no small feat, so this alumnae association got together to celebrate four sisters who received their White Violet pins this year. The honorees at the event were initiates of three different collegiate chapters in Florida and Texas.

8 San Antonio Texas Alumnae from the San Antonio, TX Chapter held their annual “Crown Affair” luncheon. With the help of collegians from Lambda Gamma Chapter (The University of Texas at San Antonio), the event featured a successful raffle, trendy fashion show and a lovely meal.

Charlottesville Virginia The women of this alumnae club led a ZTA history night for the newly initiated sisters of Gamma Nu Chapter (University of Virginia).

Sisters enjoyed chocolate-dipped strawberries, marshmallows and pretzels while sharing ZTA memories.

Loudoun County Virginia Members of this alumnae chapter participated in a local flower and garden show to share ZTA’s philanthropy with their community.

In addition to the plants they handed out, sisters distributed Think Pink® ribbons and educational information.

12 Richmond Virginia In anticipation of Virginia Zeta Day, the members of this chapter gathered to create name tags and signs. During the “Greatest Sisterhood on Earth” event, members celebrated many awards and achievements, including the Alumnae Membership Award and the Certificate of Merit.

Roanoke Virginia This chapter celebrated hometown heroes who have served our country by hosting a “Vegas Day” event at a

medical center for veterans. Sisters distributed healthy refreshments while the veterans spun a wheel for poker chips and prizes.

Virginia Peninsula This alumnae chapter hosted a dessert reception for the graduating seniors of Kappa Phi Chapter at Christopher Newport University to show them how “sweet” it is to be active ZTA alumnae. The collegians were recognized and encouraged to join alumnae chapters after college.

ZTAlways Virtual Thanks to technology, Zetas can stay connected wherever they live, and they can still participate in fun events, such as book club. Members of the ZTAlways Chapter have meetings via Google Hangout to discuss what they’ve read and to enjoy sisterhood, even though they are miles apart.

Buckhannon West Virginia Members of the Buckhannon, WV Chapter collaborated with the West Virginia University women’s basketball team for a Pink Out game this spring. Chapter members distributed Think Pink® ribbons and shared information about breast cancer education and awareness with attendees.

Alumnae Chapter News · Summer 2016 · 19

Alumna creates a blessing out of a nightmare

By Ellen Crawford, Editor It’s been seven years since Kaci Holloway Johnson (Zeta Xi Chapter, Georgia Southern University) and her husband were living every parent’s worst nightmare. At just three years old, their son, Duncan, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rapid-growing yet curable pediatric cancer. After six months of intensive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, Duncan’s cancer was gone, and the family began looking toward the future. They asked their favorite staff member at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia what they could do to give back. “We need a camp,” she replied. “There are not enough facilities for all of these children.” With that, Kaci and her husband felt called to bring Camp Lakeside to life. Kaci answered three questions about their efforts: How is Camp Lakeside becoming a reality?

We were able to facilitate a partnership between the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia to revitalize a current camp the Y has that really has not had a lot of attention or structure; it’s extremely rustic. It’s a precious piece of property that has endless opportunities, but just needs someone to make it happen. So we took that on.

Through the Family Y’s scholarship program, no one will be turned away for financial reasons. So there truly is not anyone who can’t go to camp and get the experience.

What’s unique about this particular summer camp?

The beauty of the partnership between the Y and the Children’s Hospital is that we’ve been able to have all sorts of focus groups to be able to create a plan of action to make this property really limitless. For example, in focus groups with the children, their number one wish was that they don’t have to stand in line so long for their medication. The current camp that we go to, the only one that’s near us and really in the state of Georgia, only has one pharmacy window. Well, our new camp has two pharmacy windows.

Meet Kaci Holloway Johnson!

She’s an alumna of Zeta Xi Chapter at Georgia Southern University.

“There are kids who have never been fishing, much less caught their first fish, or who have never been zip lining or sung camp songs or roasted marshmallows. What started for us as a way to build and enhance a camp for kids with cancer has grown into more than we could have ever dreamed.”

20 · THEMIS · Alumna Profile

That one little piece of information has helped me keep things in perspective. The kids just want to get back to fun. There is so much to learn from these children who go through so much adversity and have incredible strength that we have been over-the-moon blessed by.

How has ZTA helped you pursue this dream?

Before ZTA, I never would have thought that I would have gotten in front of 125 women and shared an idea or presented something.

Today, I use those same skills when speaking to civic organizations or walking up to people and sharing about our camp. In that regard, the training I received when I was 19 and 20 years old is definitely still being put into action.

Of course, the support that I’ve received from my ZTA sisters across the country has been unbelievable—from financial support to attending my events to praying for me and giving me encouragement. It’s definitely the perfect example in my life that Zeta Is Forever.

Giving the gift of scholarship

By Ellen Crawford, Editor

Of the nearly 600 people who attended the reactivation of Alpha Zeta Chapter (The Ohio State University) on Saturday, April 9, 2016, perhaps none were more excited than the chapter alumnae (pictured below). Nancy Bennett Bauman, who was initiated in 1959, was among them.

“We had a great turnout of Alpha Zetas in attendance that day. Sisters from across Ohio and the country, from California to Florida, joined in the celebration,” she said. “It was an absolutely joyous occasion.” To express their delight, the alumnae came together and worked with the ZTA Foundation to create Alpha Zeta Alumnae Recognition Scholarships specifically for their newest sisters. Nancy led the fundraising campaign.

Having been an advisor for three ZTA chapters—most recently Iota Pi Chapter (University of Dayton)—Nancy knows the impact scholarships can have on students. “The whole time I’ve worked with collegians as an advisor, I have written scholarship recommendations,” she said. “In doing that, I’ve gotten to see how meaningful these monies are to collegiate women, sometimes to the point of allowing them to finish school when they might not have otherwise.” With that in mind, Nancy thought, “What better gift can we give to our new Alpha Zeta sisters than a little financial help!”

Nancy put out a call to her chapter sisters, and they enthusiastically responded. “I knew my ZTA sisters would be supportive,” she said. “I didn’t know they would be this supportive!” Expecting to fund maybe two scholarships, Nancy was thrilled to learn the alumnae contributed enough money for six. “We all wanted to do something that would help our new chapter sisters be successful,” she said. “We expect great things out of them.”

Fraternity News · Summer 2016 · 21

22 · THEMIS · Feature

Story by Ellen Crawford, Editor Illustrated by Ashley Steiner, Delta Psi Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia was a truly moving experience for alumna Corbin Childs (Iota Omicron Chapter, Lander University). She awoke at 4 a.m. to watch the darkness fade into light over the largest religious monument in the world and left feeling refreshed and ready for more.

While travel has the power to open eyes and hearts to new experiences, it can also be an opportunity for Zetas to inspire others and find themselves in the process, as five well-traveled sisters have learned. Zeta Tau Alpha’s chapters are located within the United States and Canada, but the presence of ZTA is worldwide. From collegians participating in cultural immersion trips for a couple weeks at a time to alumnae who have lived abroad for more than 20 years, Zetas are out in the world, fostering connections with those they meet and sharing ZTA values along the way.

“Travel makes the world slightly smaller,” alumna Taylor Middleton Anderson (Psi Chapter, University of Washington) said. “It bridges the gap between cultures and locations in a way that is very real.” Having served in the Peace Corps for two years in Kyrgyzstan, Taylor and her husband understand the benefits and challenges of living in a different country.

For one, Taylor had to change her way of thinking about her surroundings. Rather than merely exploring a new area, she focused on ways she could connect with the community that was her new home. Regularly dealing with language barriers and cultural nuances was difficult.

“I had to constantly remind myself that I was capable and that I had something to share,” she said. Sometimes people would laugh at her small mistakes. “I came to learn that the laughing was a way of showing appreciation that I was trying, but it felt really uncomfortable.” Still, Taylor was able to make a real difference in the lives of the villagers by working as a health education volunteer and sharing information about nutrition, exercise, stress management and prenatal yoga.

Since completing their service in Kyrgyzstan, Taylor and her husband have been traveling around Southeast Feature · Summer 2016 · 23

Asia, taking in as much of the region as possible before “reality kicks back in.” As Taylor knows well, travel isn’t always as easy or glamorous as one might think.

“Sometimes things don’t go as planned,” she said.

“That’s part of the adventure and it’s something that helps build character and patience.” In that way, travel can teach lessons that one might not learn within a classroom or through other activities. Despite the unexpected bumps in the road, many travelers end up wanting more. “The more you travel, the more you realize you haven’t seen,” Taylor said.

Collegian Elisabeth Bruce (Theta Phi Chapter, California State University, Fullerton) developed a desire to travel after just two weeks in another country. Before heading to Thailand to teach English with other child development majors from her school, Elisabeth was nervous, but now she can’t wait to visit other countries and learn more about different cultures. “It’s scary to do something you’ve never done before,” she admitted. “You might be scared to take off and you don’t know what’s waiting for 24 · THEMIS · Feature

you on the other side, but at the end of the day, that could be the best thing for you.”

Because of the skills she has developed as a leader in her chapter, Elisabeth was able to overcome her nerves.

“I’ve learned how to address certain situations and large crowds,” she said. “It made it easy to be in front of 200 kids because I was so used to doing it with Zeta Tau Alpha.”

Elisabeth was also able to relate her time in Thailand to The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha—and particularly the line: “to see beauty, with its enriching influence…”—by sharing her values with others on the trip. “There was beauty everywhere we went,” she said. “It influenced us to want to see every inch that we could in the short time because we wanted to take it all in. Even if some people couldn’t see it at first, I knew I could help them see it somewhere.”

Oftentimes, travelers have an opportunity to share the things they’ve seen, those snapshots of beauty, with others who haven’t had the chance to experience other cultures or parts of the world. “Women can be really great

storytellers,” Taylor said. “There are so many moments when you look somebody in the eye and you make a connection of what their reality is versus your reality.”

Those are the moments that can be brought back to the U.S. “It’s a really great opportunity to go back [home] and explain what that feels like and what the rest of the world is like, through the eyes of women.”

Throughout the world, the position of women in society differs drastically. “It’s important to see how women are different in every single country,” Elisabeth said. By observing the roles of women in the villages she visited, Elisabeth developed a new love for where she comes from and the opportunities she has had. Traveling abroad allowed her to reflect on her own life in a new way.

Alumna Corbin, who taught English in South Korea for two years after college, also learned a lot about her own background by immersing in another culture. “You don’t really appreciate your home and your country until you’ve fallen into somebody else’s country,” she said.

Interacting with women around the world can be an opportunity for sharing that gratitude in positive ways, as Taylor found while in Kyrgyzstan. “Globally, women are fighting the same fight,” she said. Although the level of equality disparity differs around the world, Taylor discovered that she could be “a living example to other women and men for what it’s like to have women who can go out and see the world and do something and not require the permission of a man.” In that way, Zetas can inspire others, no matter where they are.

The impact goes both ways, as many travelers are just as affected by those they meet along the way. Alumna and former Traveling Leadership Consultant Courtney Brawford Gage (Iota Sigma Chapter, Old Dominion University) has been living in Japan for almost two years with her husband, who is in the U.S. Navy, and their three children. Throughout her time there, her worldview has been influenced by those she’s met. “Being able to see how women and the roles of women are treated in different cultures around the world is such an amazing way to Feature · Summer 2016 · 25

sharpen your focus on what you’re choosing to do with your life and why you have made those decisions,” she said.

Travel has the power to challenge mindsets and afford women the opportunity to do something different. “It’s OK to do something out of the norm,” Corbin said. Not knowing what she wanted to do after college, she used travel to think outside the box. “Before you settle down, you need to go and experience the world and see what’s out there,” she said. “There are all different types of people from all different backgrounds that can shape and inform you. I think it makes you stronger, more confident.”

Travel also has a way of opening women up to new ways of thinking. Seeing how other cultures have addressed common issues, for example, can lead to new and innovative solutions back at home. “You can see that there are bigger ways and more ways to be successful, to be a woman, to be confident, to be all the things that we all strive to be,” Courtney said.

Elisabeth experienced that type of revitalized thinking on her short trip to Thailand, and she brought lessons learned overseas back to her chapter. “If I can communicate to 200 children who don’t speak English how to do something, and they successfully do it, it really makes me feel strongly that I can communicate with everyone,” she said. “There is no reason for there to ever be a communication barrier with my chapter.”

Similarly, Corbin credits both her chapter leadership in ZTA and her time in South Korea for helping her secure her current job as a sales representative with a major international manufacturer. “With all the questions I was asked during my full day of interviews, I could relate it either to ZTA and being Vice President II [New Member Coordinator] or to my time in Korea.”

For Corbin, the lessons she learned as the only English teacher for a school of about 550 first through sixth graders weren’t limited to resume-builders. She had never taught before and she didn’t speak Korean, but somehow, she survived and even extended her stay. “The best part was really testing myself to see how strong or independent I could be,” she said. “I learned a lot about myself and the world.”

Alumna Christie Snowdon (Theta Tau Chapter, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), who has lived in Seville, Spain, for 23 years, also believes that travel can be eye-opening for personal development.

“You really get to know who you are when you see who you are not,” she said. “You don’t realize what is important to you and what your values are because everybody you grew up with has that same value system.

But when you move abroad, everything is different. It helps you understand who you are.”

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Feature · Summer 2016 · 27

Christie has been in Spain her entire adult life. She moved to Seville in 1993 to be with her now husband, whom she met while studying abroad, and has found benefits to being a foreigner in another country. “You have a better appreciation for people when you live in a different culture or travel,” she said. “Travel enriches people intellectually. It stimulates and motivates us. It helps us grow as individuals.” Still, Christie admits that it’s hard to be away from her family and friends, and to miss events like Homecoming or Zeta Day. For those living abroad and looking for ways to stay involved with ZTA, there is a virtual alumnae chapter, called ZTAlways, that allows members to remain connected to the Fraternity no matter where they are. The virtual chapter is great for anyone—even those living in the U.S.—who is not close to an alumnae chapter or who doesn’t have the time to participate in a local chapter.

Melissa Still, Virtual Alumnae Membership Chairman, oversees the chapter, but many alumnae contribute to the success of the community. Currently, sisters get to 28 · THEMIS · Feature

know one another through virtual interactions, such as gift exchanges, a book club, Fitbit® challenges and the occasional Google Hangout chat.

Ideally, Melissa would like to see more participation from the global ZTA community, and she will gladly help coordinate connections. “If someone overseas joined, I would try to connect her immediately with people within her country so they would know they’re all close by,” she said. “If we could get more [international members], there might be opportunities for them to meet.”

Despite the distance, many Zetas stay in touch with chapter sisters while living abroad, and technology is making that easier than ever. Courtney, who served as both the Recruitment Advisor and General Advisor for Iota Sigma Chapter (Old Dominion University) and the Director of New Chapters for Lambda Eta Chapter (Virginia Commonwealth University), has found social media especially helpful for staying connected. “What I really love is that technology allows me to check in on the women I advised as collegians and what they’re doing in the world,” she said.

Living abroad has also reaffirmed Courtney’s desire to stay involved with the Fraternity. “I’ve always had a passion for volunteering with ZTA because it’s given me so many opportunities since I joined,” she said. “Being away, physically removed from being able to have those same volunteer opportunities, has given me a new energy for when I get back to the States.”

For now, Courtney is doing everything she can to make the most of her time overseas and to foster a sense of adventure in her kids. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is that we can do things like this as a family,” she said.

Having been a consultant for ZTA, Courtney knew she was up for a life of travel, but she was unsure of how her young children would handle it. “I’ve learned that kids are a lot more flexible than you’ll give them credit for,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but it is always enjoyable if it’s something you’re passionate about doing.”

If given the chance to do so, Courtney believes traveling extensively or living abroad can be life-changing. “It is something that will change you so profoundly,” she said.

In return, Zetas have the opportunity to make a real impact on the global community. “It’s important to be good stewards of this planet,” Courtney said. “Zetas are at the forefront of that because of what we believe in and everything we profess to be part of our ideals and part of the structure of our character.

“We are among the best ambassadors that can go into the world,” she said. “So everyone should do it.”

about the illustrator: Ashley Steiner (Delta Psi Chapter, Samford University) is a sophomore business major who grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is the artist and owner of Ashley Ink & Paperie, a company established in 2013 featuring her hand-drawn illustrations. Her company—which includes product lines of note cards, prints, custom stationery, calendars, planners and more—sells in stores across Arkansas and Alabama and online at ashleyink.etsy.com.

Feature · Summer 2016 · 29

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Summer 2016 · 31

Alpha Zeta Chapter reactivated at Ohio State

By Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma, Communications Coordinator “I wanna go back to Ohio State/ To old Columbus town,” pines a popular Ohio State football song.

After a 25-year absence, ZTA returned to The Ohio State University to reactivate the 31st link in our Chain of Chapters in ZTA’s largest colonization ever with 189 new initiates and two affiliate members.

“We waited 25 years for our chapter to return,” Nancy Bennett Bauman, an Alpha Zeta alumna and former District President XII–A, said. “I am overjoyed, as all Alpha Zeta sisters are, to be here and to welcome such a fantastic new group of Alpha Zeta sisters.”

Teams from Beta Delta (Miami University), Zeta Gamma (Youngstown State University), Eta Pi (Wright State University) and Iota Pi (University of Dayton) chapters conducted Initiation Services for Alpha Zeta Chapter on Friday, April 8, 2016. The next morning, Zeta Gamma Chapter initiated chapter President Chelsie Teutsch, and National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter conducted the Reactivation of a Chapter Service with Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad as Assistant Installing Officer.

Ohio Zetas shared in the excitement by presenting Alpha Zeta Chapter with gifts. The chapter received garment bags from District XII–A, a mantle clock for its future house from the Columbus, OH Alumnae Chapter, and a ritual trunk from Provinces XII–A and XII–B. The Fraternity gave its traditional gifts of a silver punch bowl and tray set. Director of New Chapters Meredith Harris Braselman presented the President’s gavel to Chelsie, and Traveling Leadership Consultants Brooke Bahlinger, Katie Blasingame, Heather Giovenco and Kaitlin Jackson presented the traveling baby cup on behalf of the Fraternity.

Afterward, almost 600 guests, campus leaders, alumnae, National Officers and chapter members attended a celebratory luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

Mandy Ingram Altfater, the chapter’s Membership Advisor, served as Banquet Chair. Nearly 50 Alpha Zeta Chapter alumnae attended the reactivation service and luncheon to see their beloved chapter return to campus.

Chapter President Chelsie reflected on the colony’s experience at the luncheon. “The truly special part about being a part of a colony is the opportunity we have to lay our own foundation, create new programs here at OSU, add to the traditions of our Greek community and join the rich heritage of the Fraternity,” she said. “We are so excited and so ready to achieve greatness!”

Alpha Zeta Chapter The Ohio State University Reactivated on April 9, 2016 Hyatt Regency Columbus Columbus, OH 32 · THEMIS · Fraternity News

Chapter members celebrated their initiation (left). Chapter President Chelsie Teutsch accepted the silver tray from DNCH Meredith Harris Braselman and National Council members (above).

Clockwise from top left: Chapter sisters and Executive Committee members proudly displayed their new letters; Traveling Leadership Consultants presented the traditional baby cup to the chapter President; members attended the celebratory luncheon with nearly 600 guests; sisters posed with their link in the Chain of Chapters.

Alpha Zeta members began their quest for greatness before they even arrived for Bid Day on Feb. 11. Dozens of campus leaders joined the colony and helped make ZTA’s presence known on campus. The colony was eager to join in the traditions of the 138-year-old fraternity/sorority community. In its first Greek Week, Alpha Zeta Chapter placed second overall and won the stroll competition with its partner sorority, Zeta Phi Beta.

Rochelle Toth, Ohio State Sorority and Fraternity Life Coordinator, was especially impressed with Alpha Zeta Chapter’s involvement not just within the Panhellenic community, but within other campus councils as well. “One thing that stood out to me was the support the [national] organization provided the local chapter in really getting involved in our campus community,” she said.

Chapter members also participated in community-wide campaigns, such as “Wear Your Letters Wednesday,” to promote fraternity/sorority life. Most of all, the colony showed the campus how important it is to put sisterhood first with their actions toward each other. Alpha Zeta members attended a meaningful chapter retreat where

new sisters got to know each other on a deeper level through team-building exercises and active events.

Throughout the colonization process, new members didn’t just build the bonds of sisterhood with each other, but also with area alumnae. The Alpha Zeta Chapter Advisory Board has provided constant support by attending chapter meetings and setting up chapter dinners. Additionally, the Columbus, OH Alumnae Chapter helped decorate for recruitment events and stuff Bid Day bags. Shelley Mather Meyer (Alpha Eta Chapter, University of Cincinnati), wife of Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, also helped with recruitment efforts by sharing her personal Zeta Tau Alpha story with potential new members during the colonization process.

With the traditions of the past paving the way, the support of alumnae near and far, and the excitement of new beginnings, Alpha Zeta Chapter’s return to Ohio State was truly inspiring. Just as Ohio State’s alma mater proclaims, “The seasons pass, the years will roll/ Time and change will surely show/ How firm thy friendship O-hi-o,” Buckeye Zetas have proven, and continue to show, Zeta Is Forever.

Fraternity News · Summer 2016 · 33

Properties by design

By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi The days of summer are far from lazy for the ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation’s board of directors.

While collegiate members are away from campus for more than two months, the 14 FHC volunteers are hard at work—shopping, redecorating and renovating.

“We have such a narrow window of time to get our projects completed between graduation and the start of the school year,” FHC President Julia Marthaler Hill said.

“Our directors work hard to make certain we get it all done, even though many of them also have full-time jobs.”

At its March meeting, the FHC allocated $10.5 million for maintenance, repairs and renovations to the 115 properties it owns or manages. This summer, 17 ZTA facilities will be redecorated, and much of their new looks will come from Birmingham Wholesale Furniture in Alabama. FHC directors traveled to Birmingham and worked together to find just the right pieces for their redecorating projects in all parts of the country.

Purchasing from a single source is not a new concept for the FHC. Since the 1980s, the FHC has had purchasing agreements with several major furniture manufacturers, such as Shelby Williams for dining room tables and chairs and University Loft for bedroom furniture, saving the mark-up from the retail store. Shopping for all FHC decorating projects in one location has proven to be equally as effective.

“The cost of hiring a local designer became so expensive,” Mrs. Hill said. “We were paying a few thousand dollars or more just to receive a design board and then paying the designer a fee to manage the project. We’d rather spend that money on furnishings for our chapters.”

Kay McCoy McKelvey, who has served on the FHC board for 25 years, said the change benefits local volunteers as well. “The local advisors and House Association Presidents are glad they no longer need to hire a decorator and get design bids from them,” she said. “It takes that responsibility off their shoulders, and they are grateful.”

On a May visit to the showroom, Kay worked with Mrs. Hill and Director Anne Petro Tamulaitis to select furnishings for the 2,200-square-foot chapter suite for Theta Omicron Chapter (Baylor University) and its 307 members. Previously, the chapter’s advisor asked members for color scheme ideas and sent Kay pictures of other groups’ newly decorated rooms. The FHC purchased sofas, a sectional, benches, end tables, side chairs, a TV console, lighting fixtures and three study tables with four chairs each—all in a one-day shopping trip. The finished room will be a complete surprise to the chapter upon the big “reveal” in August.

FHC Director Karla Lundgren Wheeler, who served as House Association President for Psi Chapter (University of Washington) prior to joining the board, worked with a Seattle designer on a large redecorating project in 2013.

In 2015, Karla made her first trip to the Birmingham showroom to shop for a renovation project for Delta Upsilon Chapter (West Virginia Wesleyan College). “Our approach now is for sure a more cost-effective way for us to decorate,” she said. “We are fortunate to have directors on the board who have a wonderful eye for design. It’s great to have a team that bounces ideas off each other.”

The FHC selects furnishings to complement each facility’s size and style. Above, Director Casey Guimbellot Pash uses a floor plan to determine the placement of furniture in a chapter room before selecting specific pieces.

34 · THEMIS · ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News

Both Karla and Kay describe the Birmingham Wholesale experience as a shopper’s dream. “It’s a huge building with room upon room of furniture groupings. One room

Clockwise from top left: Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor and President Julia Marthaler Hill discuss flooring samples; Directors Susan Beard and Terri Dew Millsap select fabrics at Birmingham Wholesale Furniture; Mrs. Hill visits the site of Nu Chapter’s new house at The University of Alabama; and Directors Anne Petro Tamulaitis and Kay McCoy McKelvey compare fabrics.

is full of just upholstery sample books—hundreds of books with fabric ideas,” Karla said. “At a local store, you might see a dozen or so sofas; here there are two full floors of them,” Kay said. “You can see the consoles and end tables and accessories in the show room, rather than in a catalog. We found some gorgeous turquoise lamps with silver bases, so we snatched up two of them.”

task. In 2015, FHC Director Christine Flora Walter made four trips from her home in Indianapolis to Eta Phi Chapter (Illinois State University) in Normal, Illinois, to oversee a kitchen renovation. Director Susan Beard made four trips from Birmingham to Zeta Xi Chapter (Georgia Southern University) in Statesboro, Georgia, to follow the progress of a chapter room addition.

This year, once the FHC team selected the furnishings for each facility, Birmingham Wholesale placed the selected pieces in its warehouse and ordered the special items. The company will provide white-glove delivery service to each chapter facility in August or September, where a team of FHC directors will be there for the unloading and placement.

In the future, most of those site visits will be the responsibility of Brian Shewmaker, whom the FHC recently hired as its facility management and construction consultant. “We have asked a lot of our directors, and they do a fabulous job,” Mrs. Hill said, “but we have an enormous investment in ZTA housing and we value professional help. Maintaining the safety, security and quality of our facilities has always been our priority, and Brian’s experience in construction management will be a huge help as we move forward.”

While furniture shopping takes several days, supervising renovation and construction processes is an all-summer

ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News · Summer 2016 · 35

A conversation over drinks

By Ashley Sherman, Director of Communication Alcohol is as common to college campuses as largerthan-life mascots and late-night study sessions, but the conversation many Zeta Tau Alpha sisters are having about alcohol consumption is something new. With the Alcohol Skills Training Program, funded by the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, sisters are having candid, peer-to-peer discussions about the effects of alcohol and how to keep themselves, and each other, safe.

This open, honest method sets ASTP apart from other programs and allows it to make a more meaningful impact on sisters. Collegians appreciate the direct approach and see the ongoing value of the program far beyond the few hours they spend with a facilitator. Jessica Grenia (Eta Tau Chapter, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte) noted that for her chapter, the heartfelt conversation built an important trust that carried on throughout the chapter afterward. “Being open and honest during that program makes us all more comfortable calling someone when we need to,” she said.

Alumna facilitator Harriette Baker (Gamma Tau Chapter, Texas Tech University) has witnessed how the straightforward conversations have an effect. “Across the board, the reaction that I see is really a disarming of college students,” she said. “They are getting to have a

real, open conversation with an adult that’s not about policy and not about prohibiting behavior. It’s one adult to another, talking about the realities of the world we live in with alcohol.”

For Caylee Henderson (Delta Gamma Chapter, High Point University), those realities hit home in an unexpected way. “The first time I heard the program, the thing that stuck out the most for me was the difference between how men’s and women’s bodies break down alcohol,” she said.

“That’s a very common thing in college. Girls want to show they can drink as much as guys, but our bodies physically cannot. That was a positive lesson for me my freshman year, and it was something I had never heard before.”

The positive results of ASTP within ZTA chapters across the country can be measured by the outpouring of requests to receive the program beyond the required amount. While that’s not always an option, Caylee said her chapter makes sure the teachings of ASTP stay top of mind for sisters by incorporating aspects of the program into regular chapter meetings. “I’ve heard our members during social events reference some of the things [the facilitator] taught us. It absolutely is something they really do carry with them.”

Notable Findings Since it was piloted in 2012, the Alcohol Skills Training Program has given Zetas the information and resources they need to make smart choices related to alcohol. “If members of Zeta Tau Alpha choose to consume alcohol, we want them to do so in a safe, responsible, legal manner,” Kyle Pendleton, Senior Director of Harm Reduction and Education at International Office, said.

To date, the program has been completed by almost 20,000 undergraduate sisters.

80 percent of participants somewhat or strongly agreed that the information they received would cause them to think differently about their pattern of alcohol use.

86 percent of participants somewhat or strongly agreed that they would recommend ASTP to a friend or peer.

36 · THEMIS · ZTA Foundation News

Zetas also set positive examples for other students on their campuses. Alumna Lindi Smedberg (Eta Kappa Chapter, University of Central Florida), who has been a facilitator since the program was piloted in 2012, said that Zeta Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, “sets an example of how to positively handle issues related to risk” and is often recognized by other organizations for how they handle themselves in social situations, like tailgating before an athletic event.

Regardless of whether or not a student drinks, alcohol is something that impacts every collegian in some way.

Not all campuses are able to provide alcohol training resources to students, so the ZTA Foundation is filling a serious need by ensuring ASTP is received by all ZTA chapters every three years.

“It’s an unfortunate thing, but alcohol is such a part of campus culture and it’s something, I think, that gets overlooked because people don’t want to see it as a potential danger,” Caylee said.

Alumna facilitator Bonny Boutet Shade (Kappa Tau Chapter, Florida Gulf Coast University) worked with a chapter that was confronted with these dangers shortly after she facilitated the program.

“One woman raised her hand and said, ‘What do we do if a sister drinks too much?’ We talked about the signs of alcohol poisoning, what that looks like and how you know if someone has had too much to drink. The next week I got a call from the chapter President and she said, ‘I just wanted to thank you for coming to do ASTP. We actually had a woman who was taken to the hospital after a party.

Our sisters knew what to do and what the signs were because of everything you taught them.’”

While the goal is to encourage sisters to make choices to avoid risky situations, ASTP gives them the information and confidence to know how to respond if issues arise.

The program also emphasizes the importance of making a plan and taking responsibility for one another. Jessica firmly believes ASTP gave her chapter foresight and encouraged them to think about their strategy before going out. “If I see that a sister isn’t there anymore, and I know that she’s supposed to ride home with me, I’m going to see what’s going on. If we didn’t have a plan, I may think she just went home on her own and not look into it—and really, she might be in trouble.”

“I think the essence of ASTP aligns with the first, and my favorite, line of our Creed, ‘To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things that will ever enrich and ennoble our lives…’ ASTP gives women the chance to learn and grow.

We are offering an opportunity for women to fully be content and excited and educated about their choices surrounding alcohol and drinking.

It’s an amazing thing when our educational programs align with the mission, vision and Creed of the organization.”

Alumna facilitator Bonny Boutet Shade Kappa Tau Chapter Florida Gulf Coast University

This new approach to an old conversation is changing lives in a real way, and both facilitators and students recognize its lifelong value. It wasn’t until after she graduated that Bonny fully realized the value of ASTP. “This is something that left more of an impact on me in my undergraduate experience than I ever thought it would,” she said. Now, she’s starting the conversation.

Summer 2016 · 37

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Crafty Crowns 38 · THEMIS · Points of Pride

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1. During their fall retreat, members of Beta Upsilon Chapter (Kansas State University) painted or carved pumpkins to reflect their personalities.

2. For years, the women of the Northern Arizona Alumnae Chapter have distributed handmade bears to local cancer survivors and their families.

3. Continuing a chapter tradition, the sisters of Zeta Omicron Chapter (Arkansas State University) got together to paint pumpkins.

4. This winning decorated cap of Zeta Tau Alpha’s social media #CapsOffZTA contest belonged to graduating senior Jesse Gibson (Eta Nu Chapter,

Radford University). Jesse’s chapter sister Caitlin Horan snapped this picture.

5. Recent graduate Grace Hunter (Eta Lambda Chapter, College of Charleston) was one of the finalists for illustrating the feature story of this issue. In addition to drawing, she enjoys working with acrylic paint on canvas.

6. Collegian Joslyn Rodriguez (Delta Pi Chapter, Eastern New Mexico University) was also a finalist for illustrating this issue. As an education major with an emphasis in art, Joslyn is skilled in many mediums, including colored pencil and oil paints.

7. Alumnae from the Chicago Northwest Suburban, IL Chapter explored their creative sides with a paint-your-own pottery night at a local shop.

8. Members of the newly reactivated Alpha Zeta Chapter (The Ohio State University) celebrated sisterhood with a paint party in a local park.

9. Gamma Mu Chapter (University of Nebraska at Omaha) showed its new members sisters are there to “lend a hand,” even if it’s a bit messy.

10. The women of the East Bay Alumnae Chapter in California showed off their hidden artistic talents during the chapter’s paint night party.

Points of Pride · Summer 2016 · 39

The women behind ZTA’s top awards

By Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi, Director of Archives & Historical Education and Susan Beard, Delta Psi, Archives Chairman Recognizing and rewarding alumnae and collegiate chapters is always the highlight of International Convention, the biennial event where we celebrate the best of ZTA. Our highest awards are named for some of the Fraternity’s top leaders who have influenced our history. Take a look at ZTA’s most important awards, and meet the women for whom they are named.

Nan Barkley Boettcher Award The Nan Barkley Boettcher Award was established in 1999 in honor of Mrs. Boettcher (Omega Chapter, Southern Methodist University), who served on National Council as Vice President Alumnae from 1992 to 1994 and as National President from 1994 to 1998. This award is a large silver tray, and it represents one of the two highest awards for alumnae chapters. It is presented to the alumnae chapter with no local collegiate chapter that excels in every aspect of Fraternity operations and the alumnae chapter experience.

Mrs. Boettcher believes alumnae membership should thrive anywhere, even in cities with no collegiate chapter to support. As a National Officer, she focused on growing alumnae activities so the next phase of ZTA membership would be just as exciting as those of the college years. To this day, Mrs. Boettcher continues to promote lifelong membership in ZTA and the value that alumnae participation adds to the Fraternity experience. This award celebrates the chapter that works toward making the alumnae experience an integral part of members’ lives well after college.

40 · THEMIS · Archives

Helen Margaret Harrison Achievement Award The Helen Margaret Harrison Achievement Award represents the pinnacle of achievement for a collegiate chapter with excellence in every area of chapter life, including membership, finances, operations and academic achievement.

Helen Margaret Harrison (Xi Chapter, University of Southern California) served as ZTA’s National President from 1946 to 1954.

She spent her entire adult life working as a National Officer and considered her service to the Fraternity to be her career.

Ms. Harrison gave the antique Chippendale silver tray that accompanies this award to ZTA as a parting gift when she retired from the presidency. This award replaced the Achievement Award silver bowl, which was previously the highest collegiate award, when it was first given by its namesake in 1954.

This year marks a special milestone for the award because the original tray is being retired—there is no more space for names to be engraved on it—and another tray, exactly the same as the original, will be presented for the first time. The newest version of the award will recognize the highest achievement in our collegiate chapters for the next century in ZTA.

“Remember a couple of things: Think for yourself. Be alert.

Be alert for your Fraternity and for your country. Zeta Tau Alpha can really be a powerful force in the world for good.”

Helen Margaret Harrison National President (1946–54)

Archives · Summer 2016 · 41

Nelly Galloway Shearer Achievement Award

“To plan [Zeta Tau Alpha’s] future, we must set our current goals high and aim for the stars.”

Nelly Galloway Shearer National President (1974–78)

The Nelly Galloway Shearer Achievement Award is the second-highest honor given to a collegiate chapter.

After the Helen Margaret Harrison Achievement Award became Zeta Tau Alpha’s top honor, the Achievement Award silver bowl took the place of the previously used bronze plaque for second place. A new silver bowl was presented at Convention 1988, when the Achievement Award was renamed for Nelly Galloway Shearer (Beta Sigma Chapter, Rhodes College) on the occasion of her retirement from the role of National SecretaryTreasurer. The newly named award honored her service on National Council, including her term as National President from 1974 to 1978.

This award celebrates the collegiate chapter that best exemplifies growth and improvement in all phases of chapter operations. It is judged on academic achievement, campus activities and chapter programming. Mrs. Shearer made a large contribution to the growth and stability of ZTA’s financial position and expected the same from all collegiate chapters.

Louise Kettler Helper Awards The Louise Kettler Helper Awards, given to one alumna and one collegian, represent those members who go far above and beyond. For the collegiate member, it recognizes service to her chapter, and for the alumna, it marks contributions to the Fraternity as a whole. Louise Kettler Helper (Kappa Chapter, The University of Texas at Austin) was National President from 1937 to 1943, and she helped guide ZTA as the U.S. went to war in 1941.

During the war, Mrs. Helper emphasized service to our country above all things, and directed ZTA’s war efforts for the benefit of the country, not just for the Fraternity. She never got to see the results of her efforts as she died after an operation in 1943, at just 43 years old. This award was presented for the first time at Convention 1946, the first to be held after World War II. Mrs. Helper’s history of service continues to inspire us all.

42 · THEMIS · Archives

READER’S GUIDE Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, the official publication of the Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1903.

HOW TO MAKE AN ADDRESS CHANGE Go to www.zetataualpha.org and log in to Sisters Only. Select “Update Information and Privacy Settings.”

Or, email changes to zetataualpha@ zetataualpha.org (subject: Address Change) or call IO at (317) 872-0540.

Parents: While your daughter is in college, her magazine is sent to her home address. If she is not living at home, please send in her new address.

HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS Send all news and photos to news@ zetataualpha.org. All submissions become the property of ZTA and are subject to editing. Include full names and chapter. Photos must be 1 MB (1,024 KB) or larger to be printed.

HOW TO SUBMIT TO THE ARCHIVES Have something to contribute to the archives? Email Patti Cords Levitte (patti-levitte@zetataualpha.org).

Betty McGehee Schuessler Award Betty McGehee Schuessler (Zeta Chapter, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) was first elected to National Council in 1964 to serve as National Alumnae Director. At Convention 1968, this office became the Vice President Alumnae role under the new National Council structure. Mrs. Schuessler continued to serve in this office until 1970.

After retiring from National Council, she passed away unexpectedly in 1973 at the age of 50.

During her years of service, Mrs. Schuessler focused on the responsibility and importance of alumnae working together with our collegiate chapters. As a previous National Public Relations Chairman for ZTA, she also understood the importance of positive publicity for our organization. She worked extensively to engage alumnae chapters in making an impact in their communities. The Betty McGehee Schuessler Award, which recognizes the highest level of excellence an alumnae chapter can achieve while supporting a collegiate chapter, was named in her memory and awarded for the first time at Convention 1974.

Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) is published quarterly by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1334. Subscription: $2 per year. Single copies: $.50. Periodical postage paid in Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference. © 2016 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Summer 2016 · 43

3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.zetataualpha.org

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44 · THEMIS

K – karat gold, SS – sterling silver, ULT– Ultrium, a stainless steel alloy. Not all items shown actual size. Colors may vary. Prices subject to change. *Colored stones are synthetic.