of Zeta Tau Alpha
Meet ZTA’s new Executive Director Lambda Lambda Chapter Installation
Zetas gathered to honor Deb Ensor
GREATNESS
Winter 2015
National Council issues challenge Winter 2015 · 1 with theme for the biennium
Winter 2015 · Vol. 113 No. 2 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) 3450 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 872-0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org
STAFF Editor Ellen Crawford Director of Education & Communications Heather Matthews Kirk, Delta Kappa Graphic Designer Haleigh Castino, Alpha Psi Contributors Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Susan Beard, Delta Psi Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi Executive Director Kelley Snow Harmon, Theta Theta
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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What’s in a word? Much more than just consonants and vowels. My fascination with words is one of the reasons I studied journalism in college. As a communicator, I enjoy the subtle nuances of words, and I choose them carefully to convey the correct message. Imagine if our Founders had chosen “Look for the Noblest” as our motto. “Look for” is not nearly as inspiring as “seek.” When we seek, we search with more than our eyes; we use all our abilities to discover the nobler things in life. In the same way, National Council deliberately chose “Strive for Greatness” as our theme for this academic year and National Leadership Conference this summer. If we ask our members to “Try to be Great,” we will fall short of our intent. To strive, we can’t merely try; we must exert energy and put forth worthwhile effort. To strive, we need to work harder, sweat a little and push forward when we fall backward. When we strive for greatness, we fulfill one of my favorite challenges from our Creed—“to find satisfaction in being, rather than in seeming.” It is not enough to just seem to be a member of Zeta Tau Alpha; we must truly be dedicated to striving for greatness for the good of the Fraternity. That means we don’t merely recite the words of the Creed; we live them. We don’t just say, “I am a Zeta,” we demonstrate our values everyday through our words and actions. How will you strive for greatness this year? Whether you are a collegian or an alumna, I hope you will stretch yourself to find new ways to contribute your time and talents to our Fraternity. (Turn to page 20 to see what some of your sisters are doing.) Do more than just try; do more than just seem. Strive to be the best member you can be. Strive for greatness—for yourself and for Zeta Tau Alpha.
National President Theta Tau, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Table of Contents
On the Cover of Zeta Tau Alpha
Meet ZTA’s new Executive Director Lambda Lambda Chapter Installation
Zetas gathered to honor Deb Ensor
GREATNESS
National Council issues challenge Winter 2015 · 1 with theme for the biennium
Winter 2015
With the theme of Greatness set for the biennium, National Council has challenged ZTA. Check out how some of our sisters, including Emily Rowlands (pictured trekking in the Himalayas), have already taken up the call in five different ways on page 20.
Cover Photo Credit: Dr. David S. Richard
Features 5
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New Executive Director named — National Council appointed Kelley Snow Harmon as the new Executive Director of Zeta Tau Alpha. Kelley’s professional and ZTA experiences make her uniquely qualified for the position. Newest chapter installed — With the installation of Lambda Lambda Chapter at Kennesaw State University, ZTA added the 249th link to our Chain of Chapters. Zetas honored Deb Ensor — Nearly 300 people gathered at International Office to honor and remember former Executive Director Deb Ensor with a Tribute Tailgate.
In This Issue 4 10 11 14 15 18 24 26 28 29 36 37 38
Letters to Themis Collegiate Member Profile Collegiate Chapter News Alumna Member Profile Alumnae Chapter News 2015 Zeta Day Dates Certificate of Merit/White Violet Lists Fraternity Housing Corporation News Crown & Co. Scholarship List Foundation News Points of Pride From the Archives
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 Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi 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 Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta
ZTA FOUNDATION President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Vice President of Philanthropy Sherry Server Tilley, Zeta Alpha Vice President of Scholarship Catherine G. Slaughter, Alpha Eta Vice President of Special Events Cynthia Byars Courtney, Gamma Tau Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dill Kreutzer, Eta Rho Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Martha C. Edens, Omicron Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron
Winter 2015 · 3
Letters to Themis
of Zeta Tau Alpha
ZETAS REMEMBER DEB ENSOR
BEHIND HAPPY FACES
She was one of a kind and I am a stronger leader for having known her!
This new program provides collegiate members lessons to better understand mental health, learn coping skills and be able to approach a friend who might need help.
Angie Peters Borchardt Kappa Lambda University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
She was a wonderful and truly inspiring woman. We should all strive to emulate her.
Carlie McGinn Van Winkle Remembering Executive Director Deb Ensor Fall 2014
Fall 2014 · 1 1955-2014
The fall 2014 Themis featured a tribute to former Executive Director Deb Ensor who passed away from ovarian cancer. The issue also featured highlights from the 2014 ZTA Convention and introduced members to our new programs, Crowning Achievements and Behind Happy Faces, as well as ZTA's new online learning platform, Z-Learning.
Kappa Alpha Colorado State University
Her legacy is, in part, the thousands of ZTA leaders she helped to shape, who will pick up the torch to make her proud.
Katlin Spivey
Theta Nu Auburn University at Montgomery
Rosa Solis-Rainey
Iota Eta University of Nevada, Las Vegas What an influence Deb had on me as a collegian, and then what a mentor as I became a chapter leader, an advisor and National Officer. She had a heart of gold and a special place in that heart for struggling chapters. I can’t imagine where our Fraternity would be had it not been for Deb. I know she’ll watch over us and guide us as the entire sisterhood moves forward. God bless, Deb!
TOP TWEETED
Nina Malone
Washington, DC Chapter
Zeta Lambda Rider University
ZTA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Spotted in #Themis! Our Treasurer accepting an award at Convention! She's such a superstar! @ZTAFraternity
@DCZetas
TOP POSTED
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look and feel of our website.
So appreciate the Beta Sig piece. I am ever grateful to have joined [ZTA] 50 years ago on a rainy New York induction day.
Rachel Rakestraw Payne
Connie Mohr Wright
Eta Mu Georgia Regents University
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[Theta Nu Chapter] recently started the Behind Happy Faces program where we are learning about the well-being of ourselves and others around us. This program is awesome. It showed us the reality of mental health…It was definitely eye opening and we are going to continue with this program and continue learning how to help people around us.
Delta Omega Westminster College
Kelley Snow Harmon Named New Executive Director
By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Kelley Snow Harmon brings leadership skills honed as a National Officer, business savvy earned through success in the corporate world and an unfaltering passion for the Fraternity’s principles and values to her new position as Executive Director of Zeta Tau Alpha. On Dec. 2, 2014, National Council announced Kelley’s appointment to the position that had been vacant since the passing of Deb Ensor in July. Kelley had served as Assistant Executive Director since April. Kelley, an alumna of Theta Theta Chapter (Arkansas Tech University), served ZTA as Vice President Collegiate III from 2006 to 2012. Her three terms on National Council followed two decades of other leadership positions, including Traveling Leadership Consultant (1990–92), Resident Leadership Consultant (1992–93), Province President (1993–95), Mentor (2003–05 and 2013–14), Alternate Panhellenic Delegate (2004–05) and District President (2005–06). The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director are managing the International Office staff, providing resources and assistance to our volunteers, and representing ZTA in the fraternity and sorority community. “I’m both honored and humbled to serve in this position,” Kelley said. “We have an incredible staff at International Office and remarkable leaders on National Council, the Fraternity Housing Corporation and the ZTA Foundation. Working together we will continue to move Zeta Tau Alpha forward and make our members proud.”
management and financial analysis within the Walmart vendor community in northwest Arkansas, where she resides. “Kelley’s corporate and ZTA experiences make her uniquely qualified for the responsibilities of the Executive Director position,” said ZTA National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter. “We are certain her dedication and talent will strengthen our Fraternity as we move into a new era of leadership.” For the immediate future, Kelley will spend at least half of her time at International Office, while the remainder will be spent working remotely from her home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, or traveling for the Fraternity. After her son, Grant, graduates from high school in spring 2016, Kelley, Grant and her daughter, Kate, will relocate to Indianapolis.
Kelley is dedicated to fulfilling ZTA’s mission by serving our collegiate and alumnae sisters. “I believe ZTA makes a difference in the lives of our members,” she said. “I hope, in my position, to support the staff and our volunteers so we can continue to provide that positive membership experience for each Zeta— beginning with pledging and continuing long into the alumnae years.” Kelley has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and, while serving as a ZTA volunteer and raising a family, established a successful professional career in marketing, account Winter 2015 · 5
Installations
Lambda Lambda Chapter installed By Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma The state of Georgia had ZTA on its mind as Lambda Lambda Chapter was installed as the 249th link in ZTA’s Chain of Chapters, the 11th active chapter in Georgia and the sixth Panhellenic chapter at Kennesaw State University. The colonization process began in September when a team of Traveling Leadership Consultants arrived on campus for two weeks of public relations efforts followed by infoviews for potential new members with National Officers prior to Bid Day on Sept. 19. During the chapter’s colonization weeks, Lambda Lambda new members were proud to represent ZTA in Kennesaw campus traditions. The chapter enthusiastically jumped into Homecoming festivities three weeks after Bid Day. All members participated in building the float that
Newly initiated members of Lambda Lambda Chapter celebrated the installation of the 249th link in our Chain of Chapters Nov. 8 at Kennesaw State University. 6 · Themis
featured KSU’s mascot, Scrappy the Owl, and tied for first place in the Homecoming parade competition. The chapter has been busy starting traditions of its own as well. ZTA became the first fraternal organization to partner with KSU athletics by hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Day with the volleyball team. Lambda Lambda new members provided pink T-shirts and pompoms to spectators, assisted with announcements and encouraged everyone to wear pink to the game. The chapter’s philanthropic efforts didn’t stop there. During October, the chapter hosted a Think Pink® Week where members distributed pink ribbons and educational materials to the Kennesaw community and volunteered at Atlanta’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, a non-competitive walk celebrating breast cancer survivors. The chapter
also demonstrated its commitment to service by writing letters of support to soldiers and volunteering at Booville, a carnival-style event for families to trick-or-treat in a safe environment. Additionally, chapter members supported other fraternities and sororities on campus by participating in their
I can’t wait to see what the rest of our journey has in store for us. I know with such an amazing group of women, we’ll accomplish truly great things. Elena Garza, Lambda Lambda
Installations (Below) Lambda Lambda President Elena Garza (center) with members of National Council and others who have supported the chapter along the way. (Right) Members celebrated the installation of ZTA's newest chapter.
philanthropic events, including Pi Kappa Phi’s War of the Roses where Lambda Lambda took first place. Since Bid Day, members have participated in activities such as tie-dyeing, bowling and laser tag to deepen the bonds of sisterhood. The chapter also learned that Zeta Is Forever thanks to the alumnae of Cobb County, GA Chapter, who provided cupcakes for a Founders’ Day celebration. In her statements during the installation celebratory luncheon, National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter reflected on the chapter’s accomplishments. “The colony here at Kennesaw could not have prospered if each member had not accepted the responsibility to strive for greatness by representing Zeta Tau Alpha’s high standards,” Mrs. Carpenter said. As she recalled all the ways the chapter has already demonstrated the five values Zetas learn in the new member program—loyalty, responsibility, service, leadership and commitment—Mrs. Carpenter reminded them that their journey
as sisters has just begun. “You have accomplished so much in a short period of time, but you still have so much to experience in ZTA,” she said. “I hope you will always strive for greatness, rather than just try to be great,” Mrs. Carpenter concluded. “If you do, the future of Lambda Lambda Chapter will be as brilliant as that shiny new link on our Chain.” The chapter initiated 160 members Friday, Nov. 7, at Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. Teams of collegians from Gamma Pi (The University of Georgia), Delta Lambda (Georgia State University), Iota Theta (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Kappa Chi (Shorter University) chapters conducted the Initiation Service. Elena Garza was initiated as chapter President Saturday, Nov. 8, prior to the Installation of Chapter and Installation of Officers services conducted by Mrs. Carpenter and Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad. Six varsity athletes were initiated after the installation weekend due to scheduling conflicts, and 13 previously initiated members affiliated with Lambda Lambda.
A celebratory luncheon was held following the Installation Service. Lambda Lambda General Advisor Sara Dowless Herndon and Program Council Advisor Laura Bugg Chastain served as banquet co-chairmen, and Mrs. Conrad served as toastmistress. Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Conrad presented traditional gifts of a silver punch bowl and tray from the Fraternity, and the chapter received gifts from nearby alumnae and collegiate chapters. The National Officers residing in Georgia gave unique gifts of a plaque engraved with all Georgia chapters and their installation dates as well as a silver tray signed by all National Officers in attendance to commemorate Lambda Lambda’s installation. Elena recalled The Creed as she addressed her new sisters. “We have been given the opportunity to grow as women and enrich our lives with long-lasting friendships and the bond of sisterhood,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what the rest of our journey has in store for us. I know with such an amazing group of women, we’ll accomplish truly great things.”
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Zetas gathered to remember Deb Ensor By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi
Deb Ensor loved to sing, attend sporting events, mingle with interfraternal friends and hang out with her ZTA sisters. On Oct. 19, 2014, Zeta Tau Alpha celebrated the life of the former Executive Director with a festive Tribute Tailgate that highlighted all of those passions. Deb, who worked for ZTA for nearly 40 years, passed away from ovarian cancer July 18, 2014. On a beautiful, football-weather day, nearly 300 people gathered under a tailgate tent and inside International Office to watch a video about Deb’s career, listen to her singing, view archival treasures and share memories about their sister and friend. The crowd included Zetas from across the country, representatives of many fraternities and sororities, current and former employees, and Deb’s nephew, Eli Ensor. Eli was especially moved by the displays of Deb’s singing and recruitment skit performances. “This is a part of her life I never really knew,” he said, smiling as he flipped through pictures of his aunt in costumes. Many ZTA alumnae arrived on Friday or Saturday before the tailgate to enjoy a sisterhood weekend. The tribute was a unique opportunity to simply enjoy each other’s company without the responsibilities and schedules of gatherings like Convention or National Leadership Conference. “It was a great sisterhood event that would have made Debbie very proud,” said former National President Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, who had known Deb since her collegiate days at Florida State University. “I’m sorry we all came together because of her passing but so glad so many people were there. Because Debbie was involved in all aspects of ZTA, she brought us together in many different ways. Most of all she brought us together as sisters. We left feeling proud of being Deb’s sister, proud of being Zeta Tau Alphas and so full of love for each other.”
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1. Eli Ensor enjoyed learning about his aunt’s ZTA life, along with his girlfriend, Jenna Malloway, and Deb’s friend and ZTA National Officer Nona Douglass Richey. 2. The Indianapolis Colts sent a bouquet to honor Deb, a dedicated fan. 3. Pennants representing Deb’s favorite things decorated International Office. 4. Former and present National Presidents enjoyed the weekend together. 5. Displays of her costumes and props reminded attendees of Deb's best performances. 6. Former Traveling Leadership Consultants wore special #DebsGirls T-shirts because, as Executive Director, she hired and mentored 270 TLCs. 7. Attendees watched a tribute video that highlighted Deb’s career. 8. Alpha Epsilon Phi Executive Director Bonnie Wunsch (center), one of Deb’s closest interfraternal friends, and other AEPhi women, shared lollipops they donated with a Zeta's son. 9. Former TLCs enjoyed catching up in the tailgate tent. 10. Guests mingled outside International Office. 11. National Panhellenic Conference friends gathered to remember Deb.
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Collegiate Member Profile
Breaking barriers with dance By Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi It’s not every day you come across someone as driven and committed to service as Lindy Williamson. With support from her Delta Psi Chapter sisters and family, Lindy founded Dance for Down Syndrome (D4D), a communitywide dance held on Samford University’s campus to support and raise funds for adults with developmental disabilities. This cause has always been close to Lindy’s heart as her brother (pictured at left with Lindy) has Down Syndrome. “Growing up with my brother and his friends, I recognized a good way to break the ice with the special needs community was with dance,” Lindy said. “Any time you have a DJ and good music, you have a great chance to interact.”
Lindy Williamson Delta Psi Chapter Samford University founder of Dance for Down Syndrome
The first Dance for Downs, hosted during Lindy’s sophomore year, was wildly popular. She invited people with developmental disabilities, Samford students and the Birmingham, Ala., community to a luau-themed night of dancing and breaking down barriers. Lindy could see a change in many Samford students after D4D. “For some people, being exposed to special needs students wasn’t something they were used to,” she said. D4D helped her classmates realize adults with disabilities have many of the same goals they do, like making lasting friendships and going to college. Lindy’s biggest cheerleaders were her parents, but Dr. Emily Hynds, an associate math professor, really helped get D4D on its feet. Lindy met Dr. Hynds at church in Birmingham before she started college. When Lindy needed a faculty member to represent D4D, Dr. Hynds volunteered her time and expertise. Dr. Hynds watched Lindy grow as she directed Dance for Downs over three years. “She was always passionate, really organized and thorough, but as the event grew, she got even better at leading with confidence and [delegating] responsibilities,” Dr. Hynds said. Zetas helped decorate for the event, danced with attendees and helped clean up afterwards. “It was so cool to look across the room and see that 60 percent of the attendees were Zetas, and the other 40 percent were there because of a Zeta,” Lindy said. “As a chapter, we are diverse and driven. We have a way of making others’ passions our own.” Sticking with her desire to serve others, last fall Lindy launched Unless U (www.unlessu.org) as a recent graduate. The program’s mission is to serve adults with developmental disabilities and their families through continuing education, life skills and social skills. Lindy thinks college is the perfect time to explore your passions and make your own path. “Collegiate experiences are enriching on many levels, because in the right environment, one is free to learn, grow, succeed and fail,” she said. “You’re on your own without being on your own—you have built-in support from your family, friends and community. College is the best time to chase after your dreams.”
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Collegiate News Kappa The University of Texas at Austin Kappa Chapter celebrated ZTA’s 116th Founders’ Day by recreating a favorite childhood activity with a Disney Princess-themed birthday party. Members enjoyed cake, party favors and face paint while celebrating ZTA’s “Sweet 116.”
Alpha Longwood University In October, Longwood University held a post-renovation opening celebration for its sorority residence building, Stubbs Hall. Chapter alumnae and collegians spent the day together and attended a Founders’ Day event that evening.
Lambda Southwestern University Lambda Chapter organized its annual campus-wide, free Zumba class to promote health and wellness. After they danced their way through a workout, attendees enjoyed healthy snacks provided by chapter members.
Nu The University of Alabama At The University of Alabama, football players are kind of a big deal. In August, Nu Chapter partnered with Sigma Nu and the Crimson Tide football team for a Jocks and Locks fundraiser to benefit local charities. The main event was a football player haircut auction, where power over an athlete’s ‘do was awarded to the highest bidder. Omicron Brenau University Who doesn’t love a cupcake bar? Omicron Chapter members baked assorted flavors and set up a table on campus where they sold customizable cupcakes. Most of the cupcakes were bought, but the sisters took the extras to a local fire station to show their appreciation for the firefighters there. Sigma Baker University A new weekly tradition was born at Sigma Chapter this semester. Members hosted optional meetings where one member taught the
others a life skill she knows well, such as sewing, changing a tire or basic self-defense. Upsilon University of California, Berkeley Upsilon Chapter combined sisterhood and stress relief by offering yoga classes twice a month, taught by a professional instructor. Sisters relaxed from the pressures of collegiate life while bonding with one another and participating in a healthy workout. Psi University of Washington The ZTA Annual Auction has become one of Psi Chapter’s biggest fundraisers. Family, friends and the university community came together for a night of food, bidding on wonderful prizes and entertainment provided by an a cappella group, the UW Supertonics. This year, the family of Nancy Meagher Hicks, a sister who helped recolonize Psi Chapter in 1978, matched funds raised to increase the overall impact of the event. Winter 2015 · 11
Collegiate News Alpha Omicron The University of Iowa A speaker from the university’s health and wellness program spoke to the chapter about healthy eating on a collegiate budget. Chapter members learned about the most cost effective healthy foods in each food group. Alpha Phi Northwestern University Sisters from Alpha Phi Chapter took the Panhellenic Women’s Empowerment Pledge to abstain from using negative and destructive words, thoughts and actions against women in the Northwestern community. Members also participated in activities to strengthen bonds with other Panhellenic groups and hosted a self-defense class with the local Kappa Alpha Theta chapter.
Delta Lambda Georgia State University Delta Lambda Chapter’s sisterhood retreat was held at a local park where members enjoyed an array of activities. They hiked to see a beautiful view of Atlanta, meandered through a pumpkin patch and enjoyed the park’s laser show after the sun went down.
Beta Upsilon Kansas State University At the chapter retreat, members completed Links Membership Enrichment activities including teambuilding exercises that promoted leadership skills for sophomores, a Turbo Kick class for juniors and reflections on the ZTA experience for seniors. Afterwards the chapter came together to paint ZTA-themed canvases. Beta Psi Stetson University Beta Psi Chapter treated its new members to a spa night shortly after Bid Day. They were welcomed to the
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chapter house for a night full of facial masks, manicures, eating and bonding with new and current members. Gamma Nu University of Virginia Gamma Nu Chapter created a fitness challenge for its members that encouraged them to set a personal goal for running or walking. Members had one month to achieve their goals and were awarded gold-level status for running or walking 100 miles, silver for 66 miles and bronze for 33 miles during that time. Many who were not avid runners before the challenge were able to accomplish gold-level results. Delta Delta Baldwin Wallace University The sisters of Delta Delta Chapter had fun benefitting their community with a friendly competition. Members gathered at a local grocery store and were challenged to buy as many nonperishable items as possible with a certain amount of money. The women then took the items to a food bank and helped prepare and serve meals. Delta Theta Ohio Northern University Delta Theta Chapter hosted its annual Rosie Bowl, a flag football tournament and fundraiser in honor of alumna Roselyn Derby who passed away from cancer in 2010, just one year after she graduated from Ohio Northern. Alumnae joined the collegians for brunch before the event. Delta Nu The University of New Orleans Delta Nu Chapter’s FRED Chair used a fun activity to help members learn correct ZTA terminology and proper ways to use the fraternity’s visual brand. Members split into two teams and raced to complete a crossword puzzle made up of ZTA words and phrases to prepare for recruitment.
Collegiate News Delta Sigma Lamar University Members were encouraged to post photos of their ZTA experience using #LUZTAPride to promote a positive image of the chapter on campus. At chapter meetings, whoever posted the most photos using the hashtag received the “Polished PR” prize—a bottle of nail polish. Zeta Beta Thiel College Zeta Beta Chapter was founded in 1965, making this year its 50th anniversary. During Homecoming weekend, the chapter hosted a ‘60s-themed gathering for its collegians and alumnae, complete with food, fun and music. Zeta Xi Georgia Southern University Zeta Xi Chapter members got a lesson in how social media posts can affect their futures with a hands-on lecture from a public relations expert and GSU professor. The women saw how potential employers can use tools to access long-forgotten statuses and photos when making hiring decisions. Theta Eta Stephen F. Austin State University Theta Eta Chapter partnered with a different fraternity on campus each month to get to know its members
better. During that time, ZTA members treated the fraternity men to dinner, attended their intramural games and often planned themed socials with them. Theta Iota University of North Florida Panhellenic organizations at UNF adopted an on-campus garden plot together during the spring semester. Twice a week, ZTA members visited the garden with other sorority women to tend their tomatoes, cilantro, broccoli, kale and other edible plants. Iota Psi Rochester Institute of Technology Iota Psi Chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary by inviting alumnae, including the chapter’s charter members, to Homecoming. Alumnae and collegians spent time getting to know each other better during the Homecoming hockey game where they had a reserved section of seats. Iota Omega University of Maryland Project Linus provides blankets for critically ill children with the help of volunteers like Iota Omega Chapter members. Collegians and alumnae gathered to cut and braid blankets, combining service and sisterhood. In the end, the women had a huge pile of soft blankets to donate to local kids.
Kappa Theta California State University, San Bernardino On Bid Day, Kappa Theta Chapter doubled in size, welcoming the most new members on campus. Shortly after, the chapter Historian-Reporter organized a sisterhood photo shoot for the new members. Together, they explored campus, swapped class schedules and made plans to spend more time getting to know each other. Kappa Iota Moravian College Kappa Iota Chapter implemented a new sisterhood event called the ZTA Cup. Members were randomly divided into four teams to compete in various events throughout the semester, including a kickball tournament. The ZTA Cup helped foster a sense of support and encouragement among the chapter while giving members time to get to know each other better.
Zeta Omega Ferris State University Self-examination is a crucial part of breast health. Zeta Omega Chapter organized a breast self-check workshop with doctors from a local cancer center. They explained how to do a proper self-exam and shared breast cancer facts, including which foods can help prevent cancer. This informative session was also inspirational as a breast cancer survivor spoke about her experience. Winter 2015 · 13
Alumna Member Profile
ZTA brings new meaning to research By Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma Some people wander through life trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. Dr. Katie Hoadley (Delta Upsilon Chapter, West Virginia Wesleyan College) didn't have that problem; she knew what she wanted to do. “I had a passion for science and genetics,” Katie said. At 16 she worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture doing plant research. From there, Katie majored in biology and chemistry at West Virginia Wesleyan and earned her Ph.D. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Katie Hoadley Delta Upsilon Chapter West Virginia Wesleyan College breast cancer researcher
At Carolina, Katie performed graduate research under Dr. Charles Perou, a distinguished UNC faculty member whose work with cancer biology, genomics and bioinformatics led to the discovery of molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Katie's research focused on the Basal-like or Triple Negative Breast Subtype, an aggressive cancer that does not respond to traditional treatments and makes up approximately 15 percent of all cancer diagnoses. The subtype has a particularly high incidence rate among young women. After earning her Ph.D. in 2006, and a short stint in the Netherlands, Katie returned to Chapel Hill to work with Dr. Perou on The Cancer Genome Atlas Project, a collaborative project involving hundreds of researchers around the world who characterize over 10,000 tumors on a molecular level. The project is the largest cancer study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Human Genome Research Institute. “The work we’ve done using RNA sequencing and The Cancer Genome Atlas has changed the way we think about breast cancer. Some subtypes should be considered completely different diseases,” she said. “This is incredibly important for how we research breast cancer and how we could possibly treat it,” Katie explained. “The main reason I was interested [in this subtype] was because there were no targeted treatments.” Her work with clinical trials involves translating information found in the lab to figure out why patients are getting such an aggressive cancer at young ages with the goal being for researchers to create new, effective treatments. But Katie’s passion to find a cure extends beyond the lab. “With [ZTA’s] large role in breast cancer education and awareness, one of the first things I did when I got to North Carolina was get involved with Research Triangle Chapter,” she explained. Katie has served as President of Research Triangle, NC Chapter since 2009. Connecting the work she does to the real world through ZTA service is a rewarding experience. “As a researcher, I sit in the lab on a computer. I’m not involved with patients. What I like about [my involvement with ZTA’s philanthropy] is getting the opportunity to meet some wonderful women who are undergoing treatment as well as survivors who are celebrating years of being cancer-free. It really helps solidify my motivation for what I am doing in the lab.”
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Alumnae News Huntsville Alabama As a way to meet new sisters, this chapter hosted an Ice Cream and Ice Breakers recruitment party. Sisters invited new faces to the event and enjoyed getting to know one another over a delicious treat. Phoenix Arizona Many Zetas relocate after college and may not know how to find sisters in their new town. To help them out, Phoenix, AZ Chapter hosted a brunch for those who graduated in the last five years. Recent alumnae met new friends and learned how to get involved with the chapter. San Fernando Valley California To remind members to pay their dues, San Fernando Valley, CA Chapter threw a FonDUES Potluck Party. Sisters enjoyed a feast of assorted foods and sauces and finished the meal with chocolatedipped fruit and marshmallows. Members who paid their dues at or before the meeting were entered in a raffle and three sisters went home with prizes.
Rocky Mountain Colorado This chapter hosted its annual White Elephant Gift Auction to support its scholarships. Sisters blindly placed bids on wrapped items and hoped they didn’t get stuck with an old clock that has been passed down through the years.
Alumnae Tea. Collegians learned more about the sisters who came before them as everyone toured the house and the alumnae shared memories and found themselves in composites displayed throughout the home. Indianapolis Indiana The members of Indianapolis, IN Association took advantage of one sister’s skills with a cupcake-baking lesson. The women learned what cake and frosting flavors work well together then decorated and sampled the delicious treats.
Orlando Florida Chocolate treats taste even better when sisters make them together. Orlando, FL Chapter visited the Farris and Foster’s Chocolate Factory to make their own chocolate-covered toffee, pretzels and, of course, strawberries.
Flint Hills Kansas The women of Flint Hills wanted to give parents an easy way to support their newly initiated collegiate daughters, so the chapter worked with a local florist to put together ZTA-inspired bouquets for families to purchase. The fundraiser was a success, and new Zetas received beautiful flowers for initiation.
Athens Georgia Seven decades of Zetas visited The University of Georgia for Gamma Pi’s
Baton Rouge Louisiana Alumnae in Baton Rouge learned how to make a Tex-Mex feast at the
Jacksonville Florida To get in the Halloween spirit, members of Jacksonville, FL Chapter visited Saint Augustine, our nation’s oldest city, for a guided ghost tour. Although no spirits were spotted, sisters enjoyed learning the local lore as they visited the city’s most haunted sites. Winter 2015 · 15
Alumnae News Greater New Orleans Louisiana To kick off the new year, this chapter enjoyed a “ZTA Starring You” brunch. In addition to planning the year, sisters snapped pictures in a photo booth with props and took home movie-themed gifts such as popcorn and a “director” picture frame.
Young Chefs Academy. Members made the entire meal—appetizer, salad, main course and dessert—then sat down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
listened to live music, ate BBQ from a local meat house and enjoyed a strawberry drink that the owner (an alumna’s husband) released specially for the event.
Bay State Massachusetts Everyone loves chocolate; everyone loves brunch. So why not put them together? To celebrate Founders’ Day this year, alumnae in the Bay State area enjoyed a brunch of chocolate crepes, a chocolate fountain, cupcakes and chocolates from around the world.
Jersey Shore New Jersey The Healthy Living Crown Connection group is new to this chapter, but they’ve hit the ground running. This year, sisters participated in a Color Run, Zombie Walk, Glo Run, New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge and Bubble Palooza. Crown Connection groups are a great way for members to foster deeper relationships through common interests and passions.
Twin Cities Minnesota Sisters in the Twin Cities started the year with a visit to Vinaigrette, a gourmet olive oil and vinegar shop, in Minneapolis. After a lesson on the origins of oils and vinegars from around the world, members snacked on samples and reconnected after the summer break. Springfield Missouri The women of Springfield, MO Chapter recently spent an evening at The Leaky Roof Meadery. Members 16 · Themis
Charlotte North Carolina Members of the Charlotte, NC Chapter are exploring the world this year. Members received a passport to collect stamps as they attended countrythemed events each month. At the end of the year, the sister who “traveled” the most will receive special recognition for her involvement.
Youngstown Ohio Youngstown alumnae helped Zeta Gamma Chapter celebrate its 50th anniversary with an entire weekend of festivities. Sisters of all ages performed the Founders’ Day ceremony together, cheered on the Youngstown State football team, attended a gala and shared ZTA history. As a special treat, members from each decade performed skits showcasing something from their collegiate days.
Oklahoma City Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK Chapter commemorated 80 years of local sisterhood with a special dinner and birthday cake. The women tested their knowledge with trivia from the year the chapter was chartered and had a great time celebrating together.
Alumnae News Lancaster Pennsylvania Members of this chapter volunteered at the Lancaster General Health Girls ‘n ‘Grams event to support breast cancer education and awareness. The event gives women an opportunity to receive or schedule a mammogram and learn more about breast health. Greenwood South Carolina For their first event as an official chapter, Zeta Tau Alpha’s newest alumnae group joined Iota Omicron Chapter for a Founders’ Day celebration. Sisters participated in the ritual, shared strawberry cake and got to know the collegiate members. Martin Tennessee The women of Martin, TN Chapter shared sun and sisterhood with Delta Mu Chapter at a Back-to-School Pool Party. Sisters of all ages got to know each other better before the collegians got wrapped up in fall recruitment. Memphis Tennessee Several members of this chapter supported Iota Xi Chapter at
Christian Brothers University by providing mock recruitment workshops. Alumnae also made door decorations for new members on Bid Day and brought the collegians dinner during recruitment.
Austin Texas For the past 10 years, Austin, TX Chapter has hosted the Celebration of Life Luncheon to raise money for a comprehensive care facility for women with breast cancer in Central Texas. The group reached its fundraising goal and presented the gift to the Seton Breast Care Center in October. NASA/Brazoria County Texas As a fun FRED activity, this chapter recently hosted ZTA Jeopardy. Two teams—the crowns and the
strawberries—competed to test their knowledge of sisterhood symbols, famous Zetas, The Creed and more. Northern Virginia Virginia Lobster Fest is a favorite annual event for Northern Virginia alumnae. Members invited their families and celebrated all the hard work they did for October’s Think Pink® events over lobster and special desserts. Western Fairfax Virginia The women of Western Fairfax tried new recipes and crafts with a Pinterest Party. Each member brought an appetizer from the popular website and shared laughs over projects that weren’t as easy as they looked online. Milwaukee Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI Chapter members paid homage to the early days of ZTA with a Strawberry Social. Sisters enjoyed socializing over games of Bunco and everyone went home with a chocolate-covered strawberry.
Aiken South Carolina Aiken sisters started the year with a “Strike It Up with ZTA” bowling event. From bowling balldecorated cupcakes to themed nametags and decorations, the membership chair went all out. The best bowlers of the night won chocolatecovered strawberries.
Winter 2015 · 17
2015 ZETA DAY DATES Celebrating another year of sisterhood
Every year, Zetas from around the world gather to celebrate and honor ZTA sisterhood. Zeta Day is a wonderful opportunity for all Zetas, from the most involved collegian to the alumna who maybe hasn’t seen her sisters in a while, to come together for special presentations, awards, food and fun. Attend a Zeta Day near you (details on all 32 below) to catch up with your sisters, share memories of your ZTA experience and remember how great it is to be a Zeta.
*dates and information as of Dec. 19, 2014
ALABAMA & MISSISSIPPI
Sisters at the Speedway Feb. 28 in Talladega, AL Talladega Superspeedway Rebecca Tennyson Bowen Ztadp9a@gmail.com (205) 317-5922
ARIZONA
Seek the Noblest April 11 in Tucson, AZ Vivace Restaurant Jo Silver jsilverzta@gmail.com (505) 239-9713
FLORIDA Unmask the Possibilities
Feb. 7 in Tampa, FL Embassy Suites/University of South Florida Debbie Barrett Cooke teachorchid@comcast.net (561) 357-8291 Lisa Statham Posteraro levylisa51@aol.com (352) 528-6253
Lea’ Chrisman Williams ztadp7b@gmail.com (404) 513-9465
ZTA Interactive March 21 in Gonzales, LA Premier Lanes Entertainment Center
Kelsey King Poe ztadp18a@gmail.com (405) 640-0937
Kery Reinkemyer Webb ztakerywebb@yahoo.com (706) 316-2817
CANADA
Lisa Cramer Dierbeck ldierbeck@frontiernet.net (952) 472-7490
COLORADO & WYOMING
ZTA Carnival April 11 in Ft. Collins, CO Fort Collins Country Club Sue E. Baker rskbakers@msn.com (303) 741-6491
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KENTUCKY
Crowns, Boots and Bling March 28 in Lexington, KY The Thoroughbred Center Meredith Sims Crawford ztadp16a@yahoo.com (423) 847-0993
ARKANSAS & OKLAHOMA
The Power of Being a ZTA April 26 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Viscount Gort Hotel
Jenna Kelley Uva ztadp1a@gmail.com (617) 922-2793
GEORGIA
Zeta Day—A Tradition like No Other Feb. 7 in Augusta, GA Georgia Regents University Athletic Gymnasium
ZTA: The American Way Feb. 7 in Fayetteville, AR Fayetteville Town Center
INTERNATIONAL
ZTA Country Barbecue April 25 in Rochester, NY Ellison Park
ILLINOIS & IOWA
Zetas in the City April 18 in Chicago, IL Mid-America Club Anna Tiffany ztatlcanna@gmail.com (763) 350-8456 Natalie McFarland Gulbranson (see Nebraska for contact information)
LOUISIANA
Shari Fisher sfisher@hotelmonteleone.com (504) 453-3972
MARYLAND
Lights, Camera, ZTA! March 28 in College Park, MD Hoff Theater at University of Maryland, College Park Jen Ewing ztadp3a@gmail.com (410) 218-0396
MICHIGAN
INDIANA
From Zeta, With Love April 11 in Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
Turquoise Blue and Steel Gray #WEareZTA April 11 in Novi, MI Sheraton Detroit Novi
Mary Howell Miller inztadp@gmail.com (812) 305-5251
Kendra Davis Moyses kjmoyses@gmail.com (517) 242-7879
MINNESOTA
The Power of Being a ZTA March 14 in Bloomington, MN Minnesota Valley Country Club Lisa Cramer Dierbeck ldierbeck@frontiernet.net (952) 472-7490
MISSOURI & KANSAS
Nine Founders, One Dream April 11 in Lake Ozark, MO The Lodge of Four Seasons Janet Vigen Levy ztadp17a@gmail.com (314) 726-1557
NEBRASKA
Zetas in the Heartland April 25 in Omaha, NE The Players Club Natalie McFarland Gulbranson nataliegulbranson@hotmail.com (515) 321-5048
NEW ENGLAND
Set Sail with ZTA April 11 in Natick, MA The Verve, Crowne Plaza Jenna Kelley Uva ztadp1a@gmail.com (617) 922-2793
NEW MEXICO
Reflections of The Creed Feb. 28 in Roswell, NM The Liberty Jo Silver jsilverzta@gmail.com (505) 239-9713
NEW JERSEY & NEW YORK
Zetas in Wonderland April 11 in Old Bridge Township, NJ Grand Marquis Roberta Wodenscheck nynjztadp@gmail.com (703) 629-0634
NORTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
Sweet Tea and Sisterhood: A Southern Tailgate Party Feb. 21 in Winston-Salem, NC Embassy Suites Hotel
ZTA State of Mind Feb. 21 in Murfreesboro, TN James Union Building at Middle Tennessee State University
Leilani Struzick Rabourn ncztadistrictpres@gmail.com (704) 866-4916
Melissa Still ztamelissa@gmail.com (901) 246-4214
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Zeta Love & Mine—Love, the Greatest of All Things Feb.28 in San Francisco, CA San Francisco University Club Rebecca Fox rebfox@hotmail.com (206) 498-2762
OHIO
Individually Unique, Together Complete March 28 in Akron, OH Holiday Inn Akron West Brooke Johnson Leppla ohiodpzta@gmail.com (937) 369-8884
PENNSYLVANIA & WEST VIRGINIA
ZLAM Jam March 28 in York, PA Holiday Inn Conference Center of York Rebecca Traino Everitt ztadp2a@gmail.com (484) 842-1725
SOUTH CAROLINA
Zetas in Wonderland Jan. 31 in Columbia, SC Medallion Conference Center Olivia Padgett ztasouthcarolinadp@yahoo.com (803) 606-6120
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEVADA & HAWAII
Zetas in Wonderland April 25 in Anaheim Hills, CA The Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills Golf Course
TEXAS
The Gift of Sisterhood Feb. 20–21 in Dallas, TX Westin Dallas Park Central Marnie Brown Cranmer mjczta@aol.com (972) 462-1470
UTAH
Breakfast at Tiffany’s April 25 in Salt Lake City, UT Venue TBD Jo Silver jsilverzta@gmail.com (505) 239-9713
VIRGINIA
Pretty in Pink Feb. 21 in Leesburg, VA National Conference Center Karen Litzsinger Sancho-Bonet ztavadp@yahoo.com (703) 631-8238
WASHINGTON & OREGON
A Royal ZTA Tea Party Feb. 28 in Vancouver, WA Red Lion Hotel at the Quay Mardee Coyle Austin ztadp19a@gmail.com (206) 214-8562
WISCONSIN
There’s No Place like ZTA April 19 in Milwaukee, WI Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West Lisa Cramer Dierbeck ldierbeck@frontiernet.net (952) 472-7490
Annamaria Pensavalle Ahern apaluvszta@aol.com (951) 255-2607
Winter 2015 · 19
Greatness One Theme, Five Stories of
By Ellen Crawford, Editor
National Council has issued a challenge for every single one of you. This biennium, they don’t want you to settle; they want you to push to be the best you can be. The theme for the next two years is Greatness, and you’ll see it at every turn. The message will be woven into ZTA materials, events and communications. If you attend National Leadership Conference this summer, you will dive deeper into what it means to Strive for Greatness (see sidebar at right), and participants at the 2016 Convention will attend sessions to learn how to Inspire Greatness. When you see this message, remember every Zeta has the potential for greatness.
By setting this theme for the biennium, National Council has given you a focus. There are many ways to interpret the message, as individuals, as chapters and, ultimately, as Zeta Tau Alpha. By sharing the stories of what some of our members are already doing, we hope to empower you to strive for greatness in your own way. Here are five stories about how your sisters are doing that in the professional world, as collegiate and alumnae chapters, in athletic pursuits and through volunteerism.
Grow
Shamim Syed Wu (Theta Omega Chapter) remembers being a senior at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, when Deb Ensor visited for a recruitment workshop. Shamim was going through a rough time—her father was terminally ill—and although Deb didn’t know Shamim very well, she knew the chapter needed something. Deb sang “Feels Like Home,” and everyone circled Shamim in support. In that moment, Shamim remembers thinking, “No matter what, in whatever way I can, I’m going to pay this moment forward.” Shamim went on to develop the leadership skills she learned from ZTA to strive for greatness in her professional life and grow her career. As a collegian, Shamim learned how to manage a budget, delegate responsibilities and work with different types of people. She applied those lessons and went from an entry-level sales associate to the executive vice president of sales for her company in just seven and a half years. Her husband, Jordan, believes that Shamim's willingness to take any position led to her success. Shamim said it's important not to underestimate entry-level jobs. “The skills you learn, the projects you take on [and] the people you meet in those early years create a foundation and a precedent for what the rest of your career will look like,” she said. For Shamim, striving for greatness is about impacting people’s lives. At work, it means giving her sales team the tools they need to be successful. As a mentor, it means investing her time, network and experience to develop young women for higher levels of leadership. As a parent with Jordan, it means teaching their daughters, ages 5 and 7, the importance of education and giving back. Having achieved professional success, Shamim has fulfilled her original promise to pay it forward by contributing to the ZTA Foundation Scholarship Program (see page 30). “My husband always said, ‘in whatever way you can give back to your organization, do it.’” 20 · Themis
Strive for Greatness
The Fraternity has identified five areas in which Zetas can strive for greatness. Participants at the 2015 National Leadership Conference will have the opportunity to explore these areas and learn how to apply them to their own lives and chapters. They are:
Grow
As a leader, continually develop yourself and your leadership skills.
Reality
A few years ago, the members of Delta Iota Chapter at Clarion University of Pennsylvania were in a tough position. After going through membership review and losing their house, they had to decide if they still wanted to be a chapter. It wouldn’t be easy. They’d have to be more involved on campus to combat their negative reputation; they’d have to treat each other better; and they’d have to set a new standard for recruiting, philanthropy and how they viewed themselves. Outgoing President Cierra Schneider said it took a reality check. “Throughout the years we definitely had to put into perspective what we were and that we could get better,” she said. It didn’t happen overnight, but at the 2014 ZTA Convention, Delta Iota Chapter won the Becky Hainsworth Kirwan Chapter Improvement Award. “It’s taken them a lot of internal growth, accountability and responsibility to get where they are today,” said Erin Schuetz, Province President II-G. To turn the chapter around, Delta Iota had to work together, communicate goals and utilize their resources. “It has a lot to do with treating people the way you want to be treated and recognizing that we are all in this together and we all want to improve,” Cierra said. By emphasizing the importance of participation and following the lessons of The Creed, the chapter has become a leader on campus. “When they won that Silver Award, I just broke down,” Erin said. “I’m not even a member of this chapter, but having been with them [as an advisor since 2005], I immediately thought about all the women who had worked so hard in those years to get them there.”
Reality
Look at your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Explore
Think outside of the box and push yourself to discover new ideas.
Answer
Assess your ideas to select the one that will best address your challenge.
Take Action
Create goals and an action plan. Follow through with addressing your challenge by rallying support for your ideas and getting others on board with the change.
For Erin, striving for greatness is a process. “It doesn’t take one big giant act,” she said. “It takes a bunch of small things. If you can overcome the small things, in the end you can become a bigger, better chapter.” Winter 2015 · 21
Explore
The last two days of the trek were the hardest for Emily Rowlands (Iota Nu Chapter). She was in Nepal to explore the Himalayas and learn about the Sherpa people as part of Susquehanna University’s Global Opportunities Program. On her 17,598-foot climb to the base camp of Mt. Everest, with a group of six other students and three advisors, Emily experienced the challenges of high altitude. “I actually lost control of my breathing for 10 minutes on the way up there,” she said. But she didn’t panic. She knew she was physically ready for the trip and that her friends would have her back. She kept going. Dr. David S. Richard, associate dean of arts and sciences and leader of the trip, recognized Emily’s spirit and level of engagement as unusual compared to the other participants. Emily’s desire to physically push herself and experience as much as possible took her on all the optional hikes. “She was the only student who made it to the top of Kala Patthar at 18,540 feet,” he said. Even before the trip, Emily was preparing to be physically ready for anything in life. Over a year ago, Emily saw a YouTube video about CrossFit, a type of exercise that combines body weight movements, weight lifting and gymnastics at high intensity, and she decided to give it a try. She’s been hooked ever since.
Photo credit: Kacy Reece
Emily found a lot of parallels between CrossFit and ZTA as both groups consist of people with common goals and interests. “Both build communities,” she explained. CrossFit challenges athletes to push limits and Emily has always been quick to encourage others. David Rowe, head coach at her CrossFit gym, noticed that Emily regularly makes time to support others. “[A] quality that sets Emily apart from many other accomplished athletes is her willingness to sacrifice time from her own training to help someone else improve theirs,” he said. “Striving for greatness is basically not looking for perfection, but looking for improvement and consistency,” Emily said. From the shadows of Mt. Everest to her CrossFit gym, Emily’s commitment to health and fitness has allowed her to keep seeking improvement, regardless of the situation.
Answer
When Ally Bowman (Beta Lambda Chapter) started at the University of Louisville, she felt like something was missing. “I’m the oldest of five,” she explained. “I’m so used to taking care of younger kids.” The answer came in the form of 11-year-old Tenise through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. By becoming a mentor, tutor and positive female role model, Ally learned that striving for greatness is about being the best version of herself for the benefit of the community. 22 · Themis
As a Big Sister for the past two years, Ally has opened Tenise up to new opportunities by teaching her about college and introducing her to cultural experiences like live theater. “I try to take her to do things outside of her comfort zone,” she said. Like Tenise, Ally was shy when she started college, but she continued to put herself in situations that forced her to open up and take on more responsibility. Ally experienced many of those opportunities through ZTA. Ally’s commitment to her community hasn’t stopped with Tenise. In addition to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and donating blood whenever she's eligible, Ally is planning a drive to register bone marrow donors with a committee of many newly initiated ZTA members. Ally recognized the importance of leadership opportunities she had as a freshman and is now helping her sisters develop their own skills while addressing a need in the greater community. When it comes to selecting the best solutions for the problems she sees, Ally challenges herself to never settle for mediocrity. “There’s always more you can do,” she said. “If you think there’s an opportunity for growth, go ahead and take that initiative.”
Take Action
When Brittany Pike became the President of Shreveport Alumnae Chapter in Louisiana, she knew she wanted to make some changes. “I wanted our chapter to be great,” she said, “and I knew that was going to take time.” To take action, Brittany set goals to increase membership, reconnect with the women they had lost touch with, revamp programming and become a more active presence in the community. From the beginning Brittany made it clear that the chapter was shooting for a Silver Award, and they reached that goal at the 2014 ZTA Convention when the chapter won the Alumnae Improvement Award. Once she knew what she wanted to accomplish, Brittany rallied support from other people who were excited about the possibility of the chapter becoming better and recruited them as officers. Shari Fisher, District President X-A, saw officer buy-in as an important key to the chapter’s success. “They were able to take the tools that were given to them and everybody did their role,” she said. “Consistency for us this past year really helped,” Brittany said. The officers picked a theme for the year and planned programming in line with that theme. They created a chapter calendar early, shared it with members, and, most importantly, stuck to it. They created Crown Connections groups so members could get more involved. The relationships formed in those smaller groups made women feel more comfortable at the larger-group events, and attendance increased. “We really pushed to strive for greatness in the sense that we weren’t just a group that was having meetings,” Brittany said. “We were actually having an impact and affecting women’s lives.”
Striving for greatness means something different to each member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Whether it’s about impacting other’s lives, celebrating little victories until you reach a bigger goal, continually pushing for improvement or being the best you can be to benefit your community, each of us has the capacity to improve ourselves, our chapters, and our Fraternity. How will you? Winter 2015 · 23
Certificate of Merit honors alumnae service The alumnae Certificate of Merit is a national award presented at Zeta Day or another special event. To receive this honor, members must have a minimum seven years of significant post-collegiate service to Zeta Tau Alpha. Alumnae groups may submit the names and qualifications of alumnae to their District President by Oct. 1 each year. National Council considers every recommendation and awards certificates to those who receive unanimous approval. Congratulations to the following 77 dedicated Zetas, listed by their current state of residence, who received the Certificate of Merit in 2014. ALABAMA Kelly Brown Johnson, ΓΡ Auburn University Janna Keenum Perry, ΗΡ The University of North Alabama Georgina Simmons Perry, ΑΝ Birmingham-Southern College CALIFORNIA Lanee Adams, ΔΗ West Texas A&M University Anna Kroesen Dow, ΘΩ California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Rebecca Ryanne Fox, Ψ University of Washington Jillian Dauer Hartman, ΑΨ University of Missouri FLORIDA Lorraine Cox Dora, ΓΙ University of Florida Eli Otero, ΓΑ University of Miami Jenny Leal Page, ΓΑ University of Miami Becky Anne Russo, ΘΙ University of North Florida GEORGIA Amy Guinn Bowling, ΓΠ The University of Georgia Cathy Hester Huffines, ΓΠ The University of Georgia Natasha Hendrix Pratt, ΗΜ Georgia Regents University Laura Moak Redman, ΔΛ Georgia State University Diana Chamberlin Simmons, ΘΟ Baylor University ILLINOIS Aymie Olson Clayton, Τ Millikin University
24 · Themis
Michelle Fulkerson Gruener, ΗΦ Illinois State University Jeanne Sikardi Housholder, ΗΦ Illinois State University Maggie Coram McCormick, ΖΚ Louisiana Tech University Kelly Munson Smith, ΗΦ Illinois State University INDIANA Susan Chapman Bonness, ΓΧ Indiana State University Sara Esterline Schillace, ΖΑ University of Evansville Lisa Brown Tabor, ΓΧ Indiana State University IOWA Daphne Emmack-Owens, ΑΟ The University of Iowa KANSAS Stephanie Carey Clemons, Μ Drury University Mikayla Hatfield Swart, ΔΠ Eastern New Mexico University LOUISIANA Leanne Gordy Caruso, ΔΚ Louisiana State University Robin Alaine Esterak, ΓΓ The University of Texas at El Paso Elizabeth Ory Joint, Ν The University of Alabama Melissa Ticker Meraux, ΔΚ Louisiana State University MARYLAND Jennifer Ellen Ewing, ΙΩ University of Maryland Sarah Watson Giannattasio, ΖΝ Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Amy S. Sheu, ΙΩ University of Maryland MASSACHUSETTS Allison Quinn Guido, ΔΥ West Virginia Wesleyan College Christine Quinn Zuendt, ΔΥ West Virginia Wesleyan College MISSOURI Kat Lynn Kaluzny, ΑΨ University of Missouri Danielle Christine Miller, ΗΘ Missouri University of Science and Technology Nicki Linn Thompson, Μ Drury University
District President VIII-B, Debbie Barrett Cooke, presents Lorraine Cox Dora with her Certificate of Merit at Florida Zeta Day. NEBRASKA Amy Schumacher Anzalone, ΓΜ University of Nebraska at Omaha NEVADA Susan Harris Echols, ΔΠ Eastern New Mexico University Aimee Wytko Wise, ΙΗ University of Nevada, Las Vegas NEW JERSEY Lesley Sara Blum, ΚΝ Monmouth University NORTH CAROLINA Debbie Moorhead Chandler, ΗΤ The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Katherine Anne Hoadley, ΔΥ West Virginia Wesleyan College Michelle Gordon Mullineaux, ΒΓ Florida State University Darlene Anderson Oswalt, ΒΖ Iowa State University OHIO Barbara Weber Bauchman, ΓΗ University of Toledo Nancy Russell Hamant, ΑΗ The University of Cincinnati Brooke Johnson Leppla, ΗΠ Wright State University Amanda Day Opicka, ΗΠ Wright State University OKLAHOMA Acacia Bender Croy, ΑΥ Oklahoma State University Pat Haley Leveridge, Κ The University of Texas at Austin
PENNSYLVANIA Ann Ficco Dastur, ΓΞ Indiana University of Pennsylvania Michelle Sharp Kane, ΓΞ Indiana University of Pennsylvania SOUTH CAROLINA Casey Guimbellot Pash, ΙΧ Middle Tennessee State University TENNESSEE Jennifer Speidel Baker, ΗΘ Missouri University of Science and Technology Amanda Greer Bureau, ΖΑ University of Evansville Susye Clark, ΓΡ Auburn University Rebecca Derousse, ΔΜ The University of Tennessee at Martin
Cari Alice Hartlage, ΙΧ Middle Tennessee State University Michele Johnson Spears, ΔΜ The University of Tennessee at Martin Sally Reeves Walter, Ζ University of Tennessee, Knoxville TEXAS Kirsten Sorenson Hawkes, ΔΖ Sam Houston State University Millie Guice McElya, ΓΖ Mississippi State University Kim Yates Murdock, ΓΨ Texas Christian University Jennifer C. Pearson, ΒΙ Centenary College of Louisiana Tracy Lewis Ragsdale, ΔΗ West Texas A&M University Kathy Holmes Ritter, Κ The University of Texas at Austin
Virginia Hansen Robins, Ω Southern Methodist University Jami Villines Turner, ΑΥ Oklahoma State University Joy Hathorn Watson, ΖΔ University of Louisiana at Monroe Amy Macias Zambrano, ΓΓ The University of Texas at El Paso VIRGINIA Annalise Dickey Beck, Ψ University of Washington Beth Heartwell Belcher, Α Longwood University Christine Elizabeth Callaway, ΗΞ Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Melissa Wagler, ΖΑ University of Evansville
White Violets prove Zeta Is Forever A White Violet is a Zeta Tau Alpha who has been a member of the Fraternity for 50 years. In 2014, ZTA honored 458 of these members with the Order of the Shield Recognition Service at Zeta Day or another special event. These women received a White Violet pin and certificate from the Fraternity in recognition of their continuous dedication to friendship and sisterhood. Members who reach the 75-year membership milestone receive a White Violet charm as a gift from the Fraternity. Congratulations to these 27 sisters who were recognized at Zeta Day or another event for celebrating 75 years as Zeta Tau Alphas. Frances Simpson Adams, Κ The University of Texas at Austin Katherine Howard Biggs, Δ Randolph College Beryl Hindman Boerner, ΓΕ Pennsylvania State University Mardelle Witwer Christensen, ΒΞ University of Akron Elizabeth Campbell Colson, ΒΑ George Washington University Sheila Murphy Digby, ΒΦ Michigan State University Betty Ames Evans, ΑΠ Ohio University Elizabeth Day Fleege, ΑΔ Butler University Jane Blumberg Horn, Κ The University of Texas at Austin Florence Hovanec, ΑΞ Indiana University Eleanor Jackson Humphrey, ΒΞ University of Akron
Gertrude Graham Lacy, ΑΦ Northwestern University Betty Adney Leonard, ΑΞ Indiana University Doris Abel Lytle, ΑΠ Ohio University Jean Tulloss Marmion, Κ The University of Texas at Austin Martha Wandrisco Neff, Χ University of Pittsburgh Virginia Ruth Padovan, ΑΟ The University of Iowa Sarah Wakeman Penney, Δ Randolph College Betty Minter Pike, Σ Baker University
Ann McCutchen Rilcoff, Ξ University of Southern California Dora Harner Schneck, ΓΕ Pennsylvania State University Nelle Luckey Sparks, ΒΩ Union University Gladys Armor Bowers Uttley, Θ Bethany College Ann Thompson Watters, ΑΚ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Betty Murphy Weimer, Θ Bethany College Betty Rollins Wilhelmy, ΑΗ The University of Cincinnati Vivian Charno Wren, Σ Baker University
White Violets received certificates at the Order of the Shield Recognition Service at South Carolina Zeta Day.
Winter 2015 · 25
FHC News
Preserving these old houses By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi If you are a 59-year-old woman, you may be planning ahead for the golden years of retirement. You may need a talented hairdresser to cover your grays, and you may have revised your eating and exercise routine to maintain your health and vitality. A 59-year-old sorority house isn’t yet ready to consider retirement. In fact, 59 is the average age of the 35 free-standing residential houses owned by the ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation. In their advancing age, they also need talented caretakers and a well thought-out plan of ongoing maintenance and future capital improvements to preserve their appeal and charm. “We’re very proud that our houses look up-to-date and attractive,” FHC President Julia Marthaler Hill said. “We have set the standard high and our members and their parents expect a level of safety and comfort equal to or better than university-owned
housing. But it takes a tremendous amount of hard work, long-range planning and financial investment to keep our houses as safe, secure, new and fresh as possible.” While the FHC manages and furnishes an additional 33 rented houses and 43 other facilities, the majority of its annual budget is typically spent on the 35 houses it owns and must maintain inside and out, from top to bottom. The oldest house owned by the FHC—for Iota Rho Chapter at East Carolina University—was built in 1871. Beta Gamma Chapter’s house at Florida State University was built the same year ZTA was founded, 1898. Although the 11 houses built by the FHC between 1980 and 1995 often still seem new to many ZTA alumnae, the numbers don’t lie; they are now between 20 and 35 years old. All FHC-owned houses, regardless of age, experience a huge amount of wear and tear each year. With an average of 40 active young women
and their sisters and friends using the spaces every day for the better part of nine months, imagine the cost of upkeep. For example, 92 women share the 23,367 square feet that make up the Psi Chapter house at University of Washington. That's a lot of traffic for an 86-year-old home. To help assure mechanical and structural systems of the houses are properly maintained, the FHC has entered into partnerships with several professional firms to conduct needs assessments of the properties. “It’s an enormous responsibility to protect our investments,” Mrs. Hill said. “We value the input, time and effort of our national and local FHC volunteers, but none of us are experts in engineering or maintenance. As a corporation with $32 million in net worth, we need professionals to help us set priorities and plan ahead.” Epsilon Chapter at University of Arkansas joined the FHC in 2008. A professional assessment of the 25,000
(Left) Psi Chapter's house at University of Washington houses 92 women. (Above) The Epsilon Chapter house at University of Arkansas has received many updates over the past five years. (Next page) The oldest FHC-owned house, built in 1871, is home to Iota Rho Chapter at East Carolina University. 26 · Themis
FHC News
square foot facility built in 1950 was essential to create a plan for updating the infrastructure of the aging home that houses 69 members. “In an older house, it’s so important to know the condition and even the location of the mechanical systems,” said FHC Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, who supervises the Epsilon property. “This house had air conditioning units hidden in nooks and crannies, outdated bathrooms and a stove from 1950. The assessment helped us put together a five-year plan so we could appropriate our funds accordingly.” As a result of the assessment, over the past five years, the FHC has updated the Epsilon bathrooms and kitchen, rebuilt the exterior pillars and replaced the roof and windows. The next project is replacing the cast iron pipes under the house. “We use the professional assessments to take a proactive approach to our maintenance needs and budgets for the near future,” Mrs. Hill said. “With this valuable information, our directors can create a project list and prioritize expenditures. It’s a much more efficient and effective process
than asking our volunteers to try to do this on their own.” In its first decade (1977–1986), the FHC owned or managed 12 properties and was run by a board of four officers and four directors. Now in its 38th year, the corporation owns or manages 111 properties and has four officers and 10 Directors at Large who supervise all properties. “We long ago passed the stage of being the mom-and-pop organization
that could manage fairly well on our own,” Mrs. Hill said. “We acknowledge the strength of our dedicated volunteers who established our foundation, while we recognize the areas where we need professional help to ensure the future life of our properties. This volunteer/ professional partnership is an important step for our corporation and our Fraternity as we strive for greatness in all that we do.”
MORE ABOUT OUR HOUSES AGE
SQUARE FOOTAGE
CAPACITY
Smallest: 3,597 Theta Sigma Chapter Winthrop University
Smallest: 8 Theta Phi Chapter California State University, Fullterton
Average: 12,808
Average: 40
OLDEST
1871 143 years
Iota Rho Chapter East Carolina University Average: 59 years
NEWEST
2013 1 year
Zeta Chapter The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Largest: 25,270 Alpha Theta Chapter Purdue University
Largest: 92 Psi Chapter University of Washington
One female icon represents 10 women
Winter 2015 · 27
Crown & Co. Monogram Puffy Vest $45
Alumna Crown Tumbler $16
Monogram Coral Hat $18
ZTA Lavaliere $24 28 路 Themis
ORDER BY PHONE or ONLINE (317) 872-0540 store.zetataualpha.org
SCHOLARSHIPS Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation FOUNDERS GRANTS
The $9,000 Founders Grants are awarded to graduate students who exhibit outstanding leadership, exceptional academic achievement and financial need. Individuals who have been admitted to recognized university graduate programs are eligible for these grants. Alice Bland Coleman Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Susanna Tubbs Raley, Ν
Ethel Coleman Van Name Founders Grant Endowed by Beta Epsilon House Corporation Michelle Ann Blose, ΖΒ
Mary Jones Batte Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Lauren Elizabeth Breithaupt, Σ
Alice Grey Welsh Founders Grant Endowed by Beta Epsilon House Corporation Paige Pirkey, ΙΞ
Frances Yancey Smith Founders Grant Endowed by Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce Sara Louise Cochran, Μ
Maud Jones Horner Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Eva Nichole Woodward, ΑΥ
Della Lewis Hundley Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Milan Leora Piva, Σ
Helen M. Crafford Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Mollie Cleoria Malone, ΗΡ
Ruby Leigh Orgain Founders Grant Endowed by Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Mallory Ann Garcia, Κ
The University of Alabama Attending The University of Alabama School of Medicine for the Medical Program
Christian Brothers University Attending University of Memphis for Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
Baker University Attending Emporia State University for Masters in Biology
Thiel College Attending Nova Southeastern University for Clinical Neuropsychology
Drury University Attending University of Missouri for Ph.D. in Higher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
The University of North Alabama Attending Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University for Masters in Early Childhood Education
Baker University Attending George Mason University for Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience emphasis
Oklahoma State University Attending Suffolk University for Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The University of Texas at Austin Attending Florida State University for Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Endowed scholarships are established with a gift of at least $35,000. These permanent scholarships, which may vary in amount, are often named in honor or in memory of a special Zeta.
*Denotes a graduate student
Agnes & Tom Gwin Endowed Scholarship *Alexa Harris, ΑΞ
Barbara Wackenhutt Endowed Scholarship Katelynn Lee Alcorn, ΗΠ Wright State University
Connie Coleman Cagle Memorial Endowed Scholarship *Alli Kimberly Bennett, ΗΑ
Alice McCann Mathews Endowed Scholarship Katie Barbara McKnight, ΖΞ Georgia Southern University
Beta Epsilon/Kay McKelvey Honorary Endowed Scholarship Maria Amelia Cappadora, ΙΔ
Dallas Alumnae Association Endowed Scholarship Maddy Alicia McGlamery, Κ
Indiana University
Anne West Bruning Endowed Scholarship *Paige Alexandra Prato, Θ
Towson University
Georgia Southwestern State University
The University of Texas at Austin
Bethany College
Betty & William Woods Endowed Scholarship Brittany Lynn Wright, ΗΕ
Delista Prewitt Endowed Scholarship *Jenna Michael Klassen, ΓΜ
Ashton Taylor Blackburn Memorial Endowed Scholarship Natalie Ann Martin, ΗΡ
Betty Hillix Foellinger Endowed Scholarship Chelsea-Catherine Cobb, ΒΩ
Dorthy Brown Barrett Endowed Scholarship Madison Paige Osentoski, ΒΦ
Atlanta Alumnae Endowed Scholarship Charlotte Elizabeth Fleishel, Ν
Caroline Leigh Morrell Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dana Elizabeth Maurizio, ΔΜ
Dr. May Agness Hopkins Endowed Scholarship Jenna Lynn Nelson, Κ
Barbara Shetzley Memorial Endowed Scholarship Taylor Kristine Heilers, ΑΘ
Carolyn Hendricks Hester Endowed Scholarship *Alyssa Marie Martini, ΓΠ
Elaine Pierce Allison Memorial Scholarship Maggie Melynn McCormick, ΓΤ
The University of North Alabama
The University of Alabama
Purdue University
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Union University
The University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Georgia
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Michigan State University
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Tech University
Winter 2015 · 29
Scholarship List Elena DeVilliers Endowed Scholarship Natalie Monica Szmyd, ΓΑ
Julia Marthaler Hill Endowed Scholarship Catie Lynn Allen, ΗΡ
Founders of Alpha Upsilon Endowed Scholarship Mckenzie Rae Faulkner, ΑΥ
Kathleen Stroup Memorial Endowed Scholarship Allison Leigh McCollister, ΒΝ
Gamma Nu Endowed Scholarship Samantha Joy Kritzer, ΓΝ
Kay Galm Memorial Endowed Scholarship Kiera Marie Keesecker, ΓΙ
Gamma Pi Chapter Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Diana Brooks Guest Stephanie Lynn Cross, ΔΛ
Kitty Phelps Seitz Memorial Endowed Scholarship *Jennifer Ellen Ewing, ΙΩ
University of Miami
Oklahoma State University
University of Virginia
Georgia State University
ALUMNA & FAMILY PAY IT FORWARD
Between managing a sales task force of 600 as the Executive Vice President of Sales for Holiday Retirement and raising two young daughters who already want to be Zetas, Shamim Syed Wu (Theta Omega Chapter, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) doesn’t have a lot of time on her hands. “I can’t give Zeta the gift of my time necessarily,” Shamim said, “but I can give the gift of our checkbook.” In addition to the Shamim Syed Wu Recognition Scholarship she and her husband, Jordan, have been funding since 2009, they are now giving a gift of $35,000 to create the Shamim (Syed) and Jordan Wu Endowed Scholarship which will be awarded to a member of a California chapter or an alumna of Theta Omega. “We really believe in paying opportunities forward,” Shamim said. She hopes recipients will continue to give back to Zeta Tau Alpha in whatever way they can. Learn more about how Shamim strives for greatness professionally and why she chooses to pay it forward on page 20.
SCHOLARSHIPS GRANTED BY WU FAMILY 5 Recognition Scholarships (Since 2009) The family recently gifted
$35,000
to create an Endowed Scholarship.
Genevieve Van Strom Pitcock Endowed Scholarship Carly Taylor Schultz, ΚΞ
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Glenna Gundell Endowed Scholarship Ayla Marie Yildiz, ΚΝ Monmouth University
Gregory Foundation Endowed Scholarship Alesha Corina Sands Foster, ΚΣ University of South Florida
Harriet & Carl Frische Endowed Scholarship *Amanda Dawn Wyant, ΔΔ Baldwin Wallace University
Helen W. Jenkins Endowed Scholarship Megan Kay Olsen, ΑΦ Northwestern University
Hester South Memorial Endowed Scholarship Amy Elizabeth Walls, Ο Brenau University
Hester South Memorial Endowed Scholarship Courtney Constace Granato, ΗΚ University of Central Florida
Hester South Memorial Endowed Scholarship Elli Ann Mitchell, ΗΡ The University of North Alabama
Inez Bryan White Violet Endowed Scholarship Elyse Nicole Glass, ΛΔ Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Ivalee Ramaker Simmons Memorial Endowed Scholarship Kayla Lindsey Hoyer, ΗΚ University of Central Florida
Jerry Ann Rainey Putt Endowed Scholarship Jenille Jade McIntosh, ΛΑ Sacred Heart University
Joyce Barnhart Bee Memorial Endowed Scholarship Ellie Rose Hankin, ΖΣ
The University of Texas at Arlington
Joyce Derden Carey Endowed Scholarship Jordan Elizabeth Dunn, Ε University of Arkansas
30 · Themis
The University of North Alabama
New Mexico State University
University of Florida
University of Maryland
Laura Kathleen Dobson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Tori Morgan Ross, ΚΖ Clemson University
Laura Mauro Endowed Scholarship *Lindsey Susanne Hendrix, ΘΨ
Texas State University-San Marcos
LaVerne P. Skipper Endowed Scholarship Puja None Prakash, ΗΖ Elon University
Lynne Lawson Endowed Scholarship Shelby Karen Smith, ΔΖ Sam Houston State University
Margarethe “Peg” Livesay Endowed Scholarship Olivia Taylor Kowalewski, ΗΤ
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Marguerite Wells Godfrey Endowed Scholarship Krystina Marie Elliott, ΒΓ Florida State University
Marion Moore Todd Endowed Scholarship Molly Elizabeth Gibson, ΘΘ Arkansas Tech University
Martha C. Edens Endowed Scholarship Kassidy Reagan Locke, Ο Brenau University
Martha Miller Girdlestone Endowed Scholarship Marea Monique Briceno, ΘΩ
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Mary Ann Stratford Stegall Endowed Scholarship *Rae Nicole Bolton, ΑΝ Birmingham-Southern College
Mary Harkness Anderson Endowed Scholarship Marti Anjelica Lococo, ΓΜ University of Nebraska at Omaha
Merle S. Rehkopf Memorial Endowed Scholarship Randi Ann McAfee, ΑΜ Washburn University
Mu Endowed Scholarship Katie Mae McCosker, Μ Drury University
Nelly G. Shearer Endowed Scholarship Morgan Grace Pace, ΓΖ Mississippi State University
Scholarship List Nora Nell Hardy Jackson Endowed Scholarship Caitlin Michelle Coviello, ΒΓ
Ruth Potts Endowed Scholarship Emily Celine Liston, Σ
Theta Iota Chapter Endowed Scholarship Kaitlin Elizabeth Jackson, ΘΙ
Nu House Corporation Endowed Scholarship Dominique Marie Longo, Ν
Ruth Riddiford Kerr Endowed Scholarship Kelci Simone Zile, Ψ
Tracy Pierce Kormylo Memorial Endowed Scholarship Sara Allen Morrison, ΓΠ
Patsy Ellis Roach Memorial Endowed Scholarship Madison Mae Oberg, ΓΨ
Sally Tucker Thompson Endowed Scholarship Amanda Morgan Atwell, Κ
Vallera Clough Ross Endowed Scholarship Shelby Elise Schiraldi, Σ
Rachel Pendray Memorial Endowed Scholarship Jessica Cheree Sewell, ΔΖ
Sora Embry Coulter Memorial Endowed Scholarship Jennifer Marie Ferraro, ΒΓ
Vena Bragg Endowed Scholarship Brooklyn Mariah Hollis, ΓΧ
Florida State University
The University of Alabama
Texas Christian University
Sam Houston State University
Rebecca J. Jakubcin Memorial Endowed Scholarship Adriana Suzanne Walker, ΗΚ
Baker University
University of Washington
University of Texas at Austin
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
University of North Florida
The University of Georgia
Baker University
Indiana State University
Virginia Irvin Endowed Scholarship Alexis Lauren Bloomer, ΔΖ Sam Houston State University
SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS
Service Scholarships, which vary in amount, are awarded to students seeking degrees in medicine or related fields. *Denotes a graduate student
*Arielle Sheree Baker, ΔΥ
*Rachael Ginn, ΖΨ
*McKenzie Elizabeth Meares, ΓΧ
Anna Marie Baroni, ΑΥ
Lauren Marie Graber, ΒΥ
Lauryn Brooke Mohler, ΒΨ
Victoria Beatrice Coleman, ΗΛ
*Angela Yvonne Grove, ΑΝ
*Caitlyn Riehl Moss, ΓΒ
*Marissa Cullen, ΖΓ
*Jessica Marie Hinshaw, ΘΟ
Kayla Marie Slaughter, ΒΛ
*Lynsie Ann Farrel, ΛΙ
*Andrea Clair Holland, Λ
Kayla Nichole Stover, Α
*Leah Stevens Gaughan, ΔΚ
Emily Elizabeth Marley, ΚΙ
West Virginia Wesleyan College Oklahoma State University College of Charleston
Youngstown State University Vanderbilt University
Louisiana State University
Jacksonville State University Kansas State University
Birmingham-Southern College Baylor University
Southwestern University
Indiana State University Stetson University
Washington College
University of Louisville Longwood University
Moravian College
RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships result from a minimum contribution of $1,400 by the sponsoring group along with $400 from the ZTA Foundation. An individual, alumnae chapter or collegiate chapter may establish a Recognition Scholarship. This scholarship may also be named in honor of or in memory of a special Zeta. *Denotes a graduate student Agnes Gwin Recognition Scholarship Daisy Estevez, ΘΦ
Beta Lambda Recognition Scholarship Sumer Irene Smith, ΒΛ
Aunt Paula Caputo Memorial Scholarship Melissa Marie Charles, ΖΓ
Beta Psi Recognition Scholarship Shelby Ruth Varner, ΒΨ
Barbara A. Peters Memorial Scholarship *Melissa Williamson Cherne, ΔΔ
Betsy Byrns Kitch Memorial Scholarship Jennifer Marie Maslar, ΙΠ
Becky Hainsworth Kirwan Recognition Scholarship *Isabell Blakey, ΓΒ
Betty Hurd Recognition Scholarship Katelyn Elizabeth Mellinger, Ψ
California State University, Fullerton
Youngstown State University
Baldwin Wallace University
Washington College
University of Louisville
Stetson University
University of Dayton
University of Washington
Betty Steinhauer Ott Memorial Scholarship *Becca Rose Wagner, ΔΔ
Birmingham, AL Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Rachel Katherine Clement, ΓΡ Auburn University
Brandy Yeoman Recognition Scholarship Amanda Nicole Edwards, ΘΨ Texas State University-San Marcos
Brittany Nabors Memorial Scholarship Stephanie Renee Sims, ΘΗ Stephen F. Austin State University
Bruce and Mary Walcutt Recognition Scholarship Rachel Adele Robillard, Κ The University of Texas at Austin
Baldwin Wallace University
Winter 2015 · 31
Scholarship List Cass Elias McCarter Memorial Scholarship Breanne Mary Robinson, ΒΟ
Eta Nu ZTA Scholarship Jenna Danielle Weinberg, ΗΝ
Hester South Memorial Recognition Scholarship Emily Joy Diorio, ΖΓ
Cindy Lyster Memorial Scholarship Madison Carol Walley, ΙΧ
Fran Raine Memorial Scholarship Maddie Ann Interdonato, ΛΗ
House Corporation of Gamma Gamma Recognition Scholarship *Denisse Cristinia Perez, ΓΓ
David and Malaea Seleski Recognition Scholarship Hillary Stephens Hays, Ζ
Ft. Worth Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Sarah Elyse Westphal, ΓΨ
Deborah Bohannon McKinney Memorial Scholarship Julie Elizabeth Farrar, ΔΚ
Ft. Worth Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Alex Nicole Nahas, ΓΨ
Deborah Pearsall Memorial Scholarship Danielle Jill DiStefano, ΛΖ
Gainesville, FL Alumnae Recognition Scholarship *Kristen Minnick Korepanov, ΓΙ
Houston Northwest Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Destiny Brianne Adams, ΖΣ
University of Florida
The University of Texas at Arlington
Debra Barrett Cooke Recognition Scholarship Nicole Therese Wohn, ΒΨ
Gamma Alpha Recognition Scholarship Emily Renee Duerr, ΓΑ
In Honor of Carla Cobb Recognition Scholarship Mollie Catherine McNeill, ΘΤ
University of Miami
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Debra Marlett Recognition Scholarship Allison JoAnn Hoffman, ΑΘ
Gamma Beta 75th Anniversary Recognition Scholarship Ceara Nicole Scanlon, ΓΒ
In Honor of Carolyn Carpenter Recognition Scholarship Caroline Taylor Harrell, ΘΤ
Denton, Texas Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Veronica Rabago, ΓΦ
Gamma Mu Recognition Scholarship Kailey Holstine Gettman, ΓΜ
Dorothy Culbreath Bridwell Recognition Scholarship Krystal Lynn Harry, ΑΜ
Gamma Tau Recognition Scholarship Bailey Elizabeth Williams, ΓΤ
Dorothy Culbreath Bridwell Recognition Scholarship Shelby Gerae Robke, ΑΜ
Gayle Pastorelli Zeiter Recognition Scholarship Kaelie Michelle Franks, ΙΗ
Dr. Andrea Porter Recognition Scholarship Hailey Christine Scott, ΖΨ
Gloria Culberson Hice Recognition Scholarship Kailey Madison Phillips, ΖΨ
Elizabeth Emery Patterson Recognition Scholarship Ashley Linnea Uhl, ΒΥ
Greater New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Ciara Marie Bloemer, ΔΝ
University of South Carolina
Radford University
Middle Tennessee State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Louisiana State University
Lehigh University
Stetson University
Purdue University
Washburn University
Washburn University
Jacksonville State University
in scholarships.
32 · Themis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Greta Chubb Memorial Scholarship of Nursing *Amber Marie Cessarich, Σ
University of Central Florida
$7,703,900
Texas Tech University
The University of New Orleans
Eta Kappa Recognition Scholarship Amanda Catherine Lange, ΗΚ
Since 1954, the ZTA Foundation has granted
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jacksonville State University
Kansas State University
TOTAL NUMBER OF DOLLARS
Texas Christian University
Washington College
University of North Texas
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
Texas Christian University
Youngstown State University
The University of Texas at El Paso
House Corporation of Gamma Gamma Recognition Scholarship Charlotte Elizabeth Dozier, ΔΗ West Texas A&M University
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In Honor of Vicki Clark Recognition Scholarship Aryanne Elizabeth Johnson, ΙΞ Christian Brothers University
In Memory of Rosalie Bender Recognition Scholarship Jenna Theresa Bogdan, ΙΓ The College of New Jersey
Indianapolis Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Rayven Alexus Dearth, ΛΕ
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Iota Omicron Recognition Scholarship *Hannah Michel Merritt, ΙΟ Lander University
Iota Pi Recognition Scholarship Mackenzie Rae Fell, ΙΠ University of Dayton
Baker University
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS
FOUNDERS GRANTS
In 60 years, the ZTA Foundation has awarded
The first Founders Grant was given in 1961. Only one was given and it was worth $500.
scholarships.
1978 was the first year all 9 Founders Grants were awarded.
One icon represents 100 scholarship recipients
Founders Grants didn’t reach their current total ($9,000) until 2010.
6,313
Scholarship List Iota Pi Recognition Scholarship Colleen Emily Kresse, ΙΠ University of Dayton
Kay Galm Recognition Scholarship Mikelly Amelia Benedict, ΓΙ
Nelia Bentley McLuckie Recognition Scholarship Allison MacKenzie Harris, ΓΝ
Kay Galm Recognition Scholarship Erika Michelle Karkosza, ΓΙ
Nelle Luckey Sparks Recognition Scholarship Anna Katelyn Walls, ΒΩ
Kay Galm Recognition Scholarship *Michelle Kathryn Phelan, ΓΙ
Nelle Luckey Sparks Recognition Scholarship Emily Danielle McCartney, ΔΜ
Kay Galm Recognition Scholarship Samantha Ann Azadian, ΓΙ
Nelle Luckey Sparks Recognition Scholarship Shelby Christina Stack, ΔΜ
Lainie Anthony and Delsene Lawson Recognition Scholarship Michelle Deanna Riehm, ΓΖ
Nelle Luckey Sparks Recognition Scholarship Leanna Brooke Newman, ΔΜ
University of Florida
Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Noelle Suzanne Wallwork, ΘΙ
University of Florida
University of North Florida
Jean Branscomb Williams Recognition Scholarship Ashlyn Madison Henning, ΔΓ High Point University
Jennifer Ann Bunch O’Connell Memorial Scholarship Lindsay Deanne Murray, ΘΗ Stephen F. Austin State University
Joanne Wehmueller Memorial Recognition Scholarship Natalie Jean Costa, ΙΗ
University of Florida
University of Florida
Mississippi State University
Long Beach Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Jessica Elizabeth Amaya, ΘΦ
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Josephine Martin Spradley Memorial Recognition Scholarship Melissa Anne Collins, ΗΠ
California State University, Fullerton
Louisville Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Misti Sharee Powell, ΒΛ
Wright State University
University of Louisville
Kappa Beta Recognition Scholarship Charleston Hannah Thompson, ΚΒ
Lucille P. Maguire and Mary Jane Schroder Scholarship Danielle Christine Jordan, ΒΘ
Presbyterian College
Kappa Chi Recognition Scholarship *Jessica Michelle Yardman, ΚΧ
Franklin College
Luisa Velasquez Memorial Scholarship Hayley Marie Williston, ΓΑ
Shorter University
Kappa Omega Recognition Scholarship Sarah Elizabeth Broj, ΚΩ
University of Miami
Mary Louise “Pat” Moulden & Margaret E. “Meg” Lindeman Memorial Scholarship *Robyn Michelle Coale, ΑΞ
Saint Louis University
Kappa Zeta Recognition Scholarship Andrea Alicia Culp, ΚΖ
Indiana University
Clemson University
Mrs. Frances Rountree Memorial Recognition Scholarship Kelsey Nicole Vaughn, ΘΟ
Kappa Zeta Recognition Scholarship Olivia Grace Wagner, ΚΖ Clemson University
Kathleen McDonald Kent Memorial Scholarship Abigail Ann Campbell, ΓΙ University of Florida
Baylor University
Union University
The University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Nina Beth Feinzig Memorial Scholarship Kaycee Dan Thompson, ΘΟ Baylor University
Northern New Jersey Alumnae Recognition Scholarship *Samantha Elizabeth Casolaro, ΙΙ Fairleigh Dickinson University
Oklahoma City Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Blake Alexandra Bulard, ΑΥ Oklahoma State University
Phi Graduate Recognition Scholarship *Rachel James, Φ Duke University
Phi Undergraduate Recognition Scholarship Emma Colby Welch, Φ Duke University
Research Triangle Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship Grace Kathleen Lempp, ΘΤ
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Rocky Mountain Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Olivia Margaret Bacon, ΚΑ Colorado State University
Nashville Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Mary Carlisle Crehore, ΛΙ Vanderbilt University
Roxanne T. Wood Recognition Scholarship Jennifer Adrielle Heaton, ΙΩ University of Maryland
DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOLARSHIPS
DOLLARS GIVEN BY DECADE 5
Millions of Dollars
University of Virginia
4
In the last 5 years: 285 Graduates 1,017 Undergraduates
3 2
THIS YEAR'S BREAKDOWN Founders Grants: 9 Achievement Scholarships: 66 Endowed Scholarships: 67 Service Scholarships: 17
1 1954-1964
1965-1974
1975-1984
1985-1994
1995-2004
2005-2014
Recognition Scholarships: 112
Winter 2015 · 33
Scholarship List San Antonio, TX Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Kristen Elizabeth Pons, ΛΓ
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Diego Alumnae Recognition Scholarship Danielle Aguirre, ΚΘ California State University, San Bernardino
Sandra Summers Muenks Memorial Scholarship Ally Ann Bowman, ΒΛ University of Louisville
Shamim Syed Wu Recognition Scholarship Adrienne Renee Acosta, ΚΘ
California State University, San Bernardino
St. Louis Alumnae Chapter In Memory of Margaret “Polly” Shook Cummings *Jaclyn Marie Eckert, ΑΨ University of Missouri
St. Louis Alumnae In Memory of Lynne Kipp Christianson Rosie Lena McLaughlin, ΑΨ
The Collin County, Texas Recognition Scholarship Taylor Jeanne Shank, ΘΗ
Toledo/Akron/Columbus Recognition Scholarship Shelby Lynn Core, ΔΘ
Theta Phi Scholarship In Memory of Elizabeth Ann Osborn, Lorna Ignacio Willis and Sophronia Watson Calhoun Lauren Aurora Flores, ΘΦ
Trudy Balogh Recognition Scholarship Catherine Nicole Ton, ΑΦ
Theta Zeta Recognition Scholarship Christine Elizabeth Henricks, ΘΖ
Arkansas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
California State University, Fullerton
Wofford College
Theta Zeta Recognition Scholarship *Mary Lewis Griffin, ΘΖ Wofford College
Think Pink® Scholarship In Honor of Jenee’ Bobbora Kirby Chris Schulz, ΓΨ Texas Christian University
University of Missouri
Think Pink® Scholarship In Honor of Kelley Brege Lisa Taylor Ray, ΚΤ
Stephanie Arnette Powell Recognition Scholarship Sarah Beth McNabb Lantz, ΓΠ
Think Pink® Scholarship In Honor of Kim Clarke Karinda Nicole Brown, ΖΟ
The University of Georgia
Sylvia Link Schell Memorial Recognition Scholarship Emma Jordan Eichelbaum, ΓΤ Texas Tech University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Arkansas State University
Think Pink® Scholarship In Honor of Meredith Moore Ashley Lorraine Howard, ΘΟ Baylor University
Ohio Northern University
Northwestern University
Twin Cities ZTA Alumnae Scholarship Molly Grace Reed, ΖΟ Victoria Decker Griffith Recognition Scholarship Kristen Marie Hahn, ΔΟ Lenoir-Rhyne University
Winifred Dinsmoor Nightingale Memorial Scholarship Maria Vasiliki Exarchakis, ΙΔ Towson University
Winifred Dinsmoor Nightingale Memorial Scholarship Cheyenne Elise Dermody, ΙΔ Towson University
Zeta Psi Recognition Scholarship Elizabeth Lorraine Spoon, ΖΨ Jacksonville State University
Zeta Xi Chapter Recognition Scholarship Ashley Catherine Landry, ΖΞ Georgia Southern University
Zeta Xi Founders Recognition Scholarship Ashley Nichole Seay, ΖΞ Georgia Southern University
ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Achievement Scholarships are funded by the ZTA Foundation General Scholarship Fund and are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, maintain high GPAs and have financial need. These scholarships focus on individuals from chapters that do not have designated scholarships. *Denotes a graduate student *Sarah Ashley Ables, ΓΦ
Hailey Ann Billing, ΗΠ
*Erin Paige Curran, ΘΣ
Sondra Elise Adkins, ΗΡ
Katie Elizabeth Blasingame, ΛΕ
Alysa June Dial, ΓΜ
University of North Texas The University of North Alabama
Katelyn Alyse Alexander, ΒΙ
Centenary College of Louisiana
Tamar Anna Alexanian, ΛΙ Vanderbilt University
Lindsey Louise Almond, ΛΚ
Appalachian State University
*Melanie Hanik Bacaling, ΖΑ University of Evansville
Brooke Claire Bahlinger, ΒΙ
Centenary College of Louisiana
Emily Marie Becker, ΚΨ Kutztown University
Julia Elizabeth Benson, ΑΟ The University of Iowa
34 · Themis
Wright State University Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Rachel Ann Bourgeois, ΔΒ Florida Southern College
Chloe Rose Cantor, ΓΖ
Mississippi State University
Sydney Marie Catoire, ΙΣ
Old Dominion University
Abby Coats, ΖΘ
East Central University
Haley Mae Codere, ΑΓ
University of Michigan
Kelsey Patricia Cottingham, ΑΦ Northwestern University
Winthrop University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Brittany Elizabeth Davis, ΗΠ Wright State University
*Sandra Jae Deming, ΒΝ
New Mexico State University
Katelyn Michelle Edgar, ΚΗ Rockhurst University
Tiffany Lynn Egan-Rojas, ΒΘ Franklin College
Beth Kaitlyn Eldridge, Ο Brenau University
Kassandra Nicole Galvez, ΔΒ Florida Southern College
Zoe Bryce Gaye, ΙΨ
Rochester Institute of Technology
Scholarship List Lily Lynn Gillogly, ΙΗ
Taylor Lewis, Θ
*Jessica Lauren Pfanner, ΒΙ
Heather Marie Giovenco, ΘΔ
*Chloe Marie Lipking, ΛΕ
Mackenzie Amber Pollock, ΙΨ
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Bethany College
Salisbury University
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Mollie Danielle Golden, ΖΓ
Marissa Jean Mowrer, ΔΠ
Youngstown State University
Eastern New Mexico University
Sara Patricia Guido, ΓΑ
Codie Marie Myers, ΛΕ
University of Miami
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Mackenzie Leigh Hagan, ΑΝ
Birmingham-Southern College
Vesta Namiranian, ΚΜ
Audrey Aileen Hall, ΚΗ
Linfield College
Rockhurst University
*Cassandra Nicole Hughes, ΗΤ
Keila Ann Nesler, ΘΚ
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
*Amber Gray Hulsey, ΙΧ
Middle Tennessee State University
Anna Elise Isbell, ΒΩ Union University
Stephanie Lynn Knudsen, ΑΥ Oklahoma State University
Ashley Nicole Konkle, ΗΛ College of Charleston
Nicole Elise Kratzer, ΘΟ Baylor University
Sarah Michelle Kukshtel, ΚΥ Georgia College
Irene Theresa Lang, ΒΨ Stetson University
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Meg Elaine Nevels, ΖΨ
Jacksonville State University
Laurie Janelle Nolen, ΘΘ Arkansas Tech University
Samantha Marie Oliva, ΖΛ Rider University
Allyson Marie Ortner, ΚΜ Linfield College
Rachel Elizabeth Patton, ΒΟ University of South Carolina
Millie June Payne, ΚΧ Shorter University
Bree Kristine Perry, ΒΝ
Centenary College of Louisiana Rochester Institute of Technology
Rachel Elizabeth Reynolds, Ε University of Arkansas
Jenna Janee Santillan, ΘΦ
California State University, Fullerton
Marissa Schickling, ΙΔ Towson University
Jessica Rae Slupe, ΖΒ Thiel College
Ashley Diane Snyder, ΔΠ
Eastern New Mexico University
Melissa Sobnosky, ΖΓ
Youngstown State University
Allison MacKenzie Stanchik, ΑΜ Washburn University
Linzy Marie Wagner, ΑΦ
Northwestern University
*Macy Noelle Warburton, ΒΥ Kansas State University
Mary Catherine Wust, ΙΝ Susquehanna University
Sara Elizabeth Zink, ΒΛ University of Louisville
New Mexico State University
SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT OUTS
Cheri Hootman Meares, mother of McKenzie Meares, ΓΧ
Mallory Garcia, Κ
Kassandra Galvez, ΔΒ
We are very proud of McKenzie and thankful to Zeta Tau Alpha...she received a scholarship from them for the fourth year in a row. She has received enough over the four years to pay for an entire year of college. What a fantastic foundation.
During this time of year, I'm reminded of the power of sorority/fraternity life and how impactful my membership in ZTA has been. It is such an honor to be a recipient of the Ruby Leigh Orgain Founders Grant in support of my master’s degree. Thank you Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for investing in the future of higher education for your members.
I got the Zeta Tau Alpha Achievement Scholarship for this upcoming year!
Indiana State University
The University of Texas at Austin
Florida Southern College
Winter 2015 · 35
Foundation News
ZTA's innovative Think Pink events ®
By Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma Ellen Crawford, Editor
was a unique opportunity for reflection on how breast cancer affects us all.
Since the ZTA Foundation registered the Think Pink® trademark in February 2004, Zetas have come up with innovative ways to bring breast cancer education and awareness to their communities. Beyond the partnerships with the National Football League for “A Crucial Catch” games and Pink Out games at the local level, many chapters go above and beyond to spread the message of our philanthropy. Here are a few examples of the creative ways ZTA chapters are doing just that.
On the other end of the spectrum, Iota Omicron Chapter (Lander University) hosted action-packed events, such as Paint a ZTA, to get everyone excited about raising funds for such an important cause. Students paid to fling pink paint at chapter volunteers and everyone had a great time getting messy. Events like this are a fun way to encourage the whole campus to Think Pink.®
The ZTA Foundation has partnered with Susan G. Komen® for 22 years as the founding sponsor of the Survivor Recognition Program. After lengthy negotiations, the ZTA Foundation will not enter into another contract with Komen.
In New Mexico, the Pecos Valley, NM Alumnae Chapter hosted its annual fundraiser, “Think Pink.® You’ve been flocked,” to get the entire community involved. For this program, people donated to the ZTA Foundation and, in exchange, the alumnae placed a pink plastic flamingo in the yard of a friend or business of the donor’s choosing. In addition to raising funds for the Foundation, the alumnae chapter became more visible through this event, thus expanding its reach and potential impact on the area.
The proposal Komen presented to the ZTA Foundation to serve as the sole sponsor of the Survivor Recognition Program tripled the financial requirement to sponsor this initiative. This fee would inhibit our ability to increase funding for scholarships and educational programs—essential elements of our purpose. While Komen presented other proposals with lesser fees, none would allow our members to participate in the Survivor Recognition Program, which has always been the cornerstone of our partnership.
To honor breast cancer survivors and spread awareness, Delta Gamma Chapter (High Point University) hosted a Think Pink® Week that culminated with its Seeds for Hope Ceremony. The community purchased pink flowering plants or shrubs throughout the week that the chapter later planted in a ribbon-shaped garden on campus. Donors were invited to write the name of a loved one affected by breast cancer on a pink ribbon. At the ceremony, chapter members displayed the ribbons at the front of the campus amphitheater while seniors lined the aisles with candles. Guest speakers shared stories and chapter members and the university’s a cappella groups provided music. The Seeds for Hope Ceremony
Members of Delta Gamma Chapter held ribbons displaying the names of those affected by breast cancer at the Seeds for Hope Ceremony at High Point University. 36 · Themis
From traditional events, like pink 5Ks, bake sales and car washes, to innovative experiences that engage the entire community, our members continue to Think Pink. Think Zeta.®
A note about Susan G. Komen®
This decision was mutually agreed upon by National Council, the ZTA Foundation and the ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation.
Breast cancer education and awareness will remain ZTA’s philanthropy. The Foundation is working to develop new partnerships to give our members additional avenues to join in the fight to eradicate this disease. We thank our members wholeheartedly for your continued support.
Points of Pride
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1. Alumnae from New York City, NY Chapter teamed up with other Zetas for "A Crucial Catch" with the New York Jets. 2. Augusta, GA alumnae celebrated Founders' Day with a Pink Out dinner at P.F. Chang's Chinese restaurant. 3. Theta Sigma Chapter at Winthrop University hosted a successful Think Pink® Week kickball tournament in which 15 teams participated. 4. For this year's Think Pink® Week, the sisters of Gamma Pi Chapter hosted a Shop for Support trunk show and an a cappella concert for The University of Georgia community. 5. After the women of Columbus, IN, enjoy a meal together, they match the tip they leave for the server and donate the same amount to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.
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5 Winter 2015 · 37
From the Archives
Early ZTA hero ahead of her time By Susan Beard, Delta Psi Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Archives Committee Co-Chairmen Do you know a ZTA “hero”? Maybe you know a Zeta who goes above and beyond the norm in all she does. Or maybe you have a sister who truly lives our Creed. Do you know a Zeta who excels in her leadership of the Fraternity—whether it be in a collegiate chapter or on the national level? Or maybe you know a Zeta who gives unselfishly—not only to our Fraternity, but to our world. Our history is full of Zetas like that, but one who stands out is Dr. May Agness Hopkins, who was elected as the Grand President of Zeta Tau Alpha in 1908. She was a woman ahead of her time. Her work and involvement with both the Fraternity and her community surpassed that of her peers, especially considering she lived in an era when the
Dr. Hopkins in a rare picture from 1914, dressed in a formal evening gown. 38 · Themis
woman’s place was in the home. This trailblazer broke societal barriers and approached everything she did with enthusiasm and courage, never letting the traditional roles for women get in her way. May Agness Hopkins attended The University of Texas at Austin before financial troubles forced her to leave school at the end of her sophomore year. She realized her future was up to her and did not let circumstances deter her. She chose to work for a short period of time as a teacher and, after a year of saving money, returned to college. Before long, her leadership skills were acknowledged and she was recruited by May Bollinger Orgain (Epsilon Chapter) to form a ZTA chapter at UT. Ms. Orgain had transferred from University of Arkansas and received approval from Grand Chapter, now known as National Council, to start the new chapter. She was asked to conduct the Installation Service herself, despite the fact that she had no official position within the Fraternity. As the only installing officer, Ms. Orgain needed an assistant, so she shared the ritual information with Ms. Hopkins, and together, they initiated and installed the members of Kappa Chapter in 1906. Because of the unusual circumstances of how the chapter was installed, Ms. Hopkins was never formally initiated herself. Shortly after installation, Ms. Hopkins graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from UT. This did not, however, end her education. She was smart and her academic achievements were recognized with a scholarship to continue on to medical school. Within a month
of her graduation, she attended the 1906 ZTA Convention and was elected Grand Secretary on Grand Chapter. Her leadership had already been noted and the Convention body believed in her abilities, even though she had not been an active ZTA member for very long. During this time she balanced national duties, attended medical school and worked extensively with ZTA Grand President Bruce Houston Davis on plans to gain ZTA’s acceptance into the National Panhellenic Conference. Ms. Hopkins’ devotion to ZTA was well known among sisters, and she was elected to the office of Grand President in 1908. In her speech at Convention, she said, “In our work, we need every member who has ever taken upon herself the obligation of Zeta Tau Alpha, but we do not need you merely in person. We need you, but with you there should come those qualities of loyalty, courage and enthusiasm, without which you are practically useless in our rank… Am I asking too much when I ask that each of our members help me in saving Zeta Tau Alpha from ever feeling the deteriorating influence of a single member lacking in these essentials? I have pledged myself. What are you going to do?” In addition to her role as Grand President, Ms. Hopkins served as ZTA’s first NPC Delegate in 1909. Although her ZTA duties were comparable to a full-time job, Ms. Hopkins still completed medical school in 1911 and became Dr. Hopkins, the title by which Zetas know her best. Dr. Hopkins served on staff at various Texas hospitals, taught at Baylor
Themis READER’S GUIDE Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, the official publication of the Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1903.
Dr. Hopkins outside the 1920 Grand Chapter meeting in Dallas, TX, where she stepped down as President. As a result, her sisters made NPC Delegate its own position, so Dr. Hopkins would continue to serve. Medical College and had a private practice specializing in pediatrics. She led various Texas state councils and committees with a focus on hygiene and children’s health. She joined the Southwestern Field Committee as part of national war preparations, and she received her draft notice in 1918. She asked to resign from the Grand Presidency at the Grand Chapter meeting in 1918, but at the urging of her sisters, instead accepted a leave of absence from office while serving overseas. In her farewell message to the membership in Themis, Dr. Hopkins wrote, “It is true that our beloved Fraternity has grown, and through it, I have grown—but you have been the power behind the throne. To you, I give all the praise, all the honor. For myself, I can only say, ‘May I live to serve you and those I love again.’” Her service during World War I was spent in France, first on the front lines with a detachment of student nurses from Smith College. She was soon the only female doctor chosen by the War Department to become the director of an area, in her case the southern zone, which included the area bordering the Mediterranean. Her responsibilities included overseeing children’s health and welfare work in these areas. She organized clinics and hospitals in Marseilles and Avignon that
continued operating after the war, proving that her skills were equal to those of male medical officers. She managed to respond to Fraternity mail during this time, although Fanny Hunter (Xi Chapter, Grand Vice President) served as Acting Grand President for everyday matters that required immediate action. When she returned from France in 1919, Dr. Hopkins had to rebuild her medical practice, like so many other people returning to civilian life. Her career workload took top priority for the first time in her life, and she resigned from her ZTA office at the 1920 Grand Chapter meeting in Dallas. Not wanting her to leave Grand Chapter entirely, the separate position of National Panhellenic Conference Delegate was created, and Dr. Hopkins held this office until 1926. Shortly after stepping down from Grand Chapter, Dr. Hopkins married Howard Reitzel in 1927 and became Dr. May Reitzel-Hopkins. She passed away in 1972 after a 61-year career in medicine and 66 years serving ZTA. Loyalty, courage, enthusiasm— Dr. Hopkins spoke these three words at the 1908 Convention and exemplified them throughout her life. This hero’s legacy should be an inspiration to all Zetas in their quest to “Seek the Noblest.”
HOW TO MAKE AN ADDRESS CHANGE In the Sisters Only section of www. zetataualpha.org, select “Update Information and Privacy Settings.” You can also email changes to zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org (subject: Address Change) or call IO at (317) 872-0540. Parents, while your daughter is in college, her magazine is sent to her home address. If she is no longer in college and not living at home, please send us her new permanent address. HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS All Zetas are encouraged to submit news to Themis. All submissions become the property of ZTA and are subject to editing. Include full names and chapter information. Photos must be 1 MB (1,024 KB) or larger to be printed. Send all news and photos to communicationsdept@ zetataualpha.org. Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) is published quarterly by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1334. Subscription: $2 per year. Single copies: $.50. Periodical postage paid in Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America. Postmaster: Send address changes to Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference. © 2015 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Winter 2015 · 39
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YOU MAY COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL IT TO INTERNATIONAL OFFICE, 3450 FOUNDERS ROAD, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46268. Collegiate Chapter: __________________________________ Year of Initiation: _____________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Maiden Married
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K. Barrel Bead, #Bead SS...$36
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