ASUHERALD.COM
MONDAY, AUG. 27, 2012
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ZETA joins ASU Greeks CHARMAINE FOSTER STAFF WRITER
The Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and its symbol, the five-pointed crown, are returning to Arkansas State University. Zeta Tau Alpha is also one of the five Greek organizations that will have a house constructed as a part ASU’s new sorority row. Founded in 1898, Zeta Tau Alpha is the third largest sorority in the United States. Known for their 20 years of support for breast cancer awareness with their Think Pink® programs, ZTA gives out more than $620,000 scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students. The Zeta Omicron chapter of ZTA used to be active at ASU until its national office chose to deactivate the chapter. So why re-activate it now and give this sorority its own house on the new sorority row? According to Alexis Hurdle, Assistant Dean of Greek Life, when ASU decided to pursue the expansion of its Greek Life three years ago, they began a national formal process known as extension. This process is similar to a job application in which Greek Life meets with different Greek representatives through interviews. At the end of this process, the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority was selected to become a part of the ASU Greek Life family.
However, the other Panhellenic sororities on campus were provided with suites and there was no room to supply ZTA with its own suite. Without adequate housing for the sorority, ZTA would be at a recruiting disadvantage as it began the process of re-colonization. Therefore, in an effort to help ZTA have a successful re-colonization, ASU offered them the same housing deal they offered all their active Greek organizations: the construction of their own house. The ZTA accepted. “Zeta Tau Alpha is enthusiastic to reactivate our Zeta Omicron Chapter at Arkansas State University and become a part of its thriving Greek community,” said Extension Director Marlene Conrad. “We are confident ZTA will provide a rewarding and impactful experience to women at Arkansas State.” “We are pleased to welcome Zeta Tau Alpha back to the Greek community at ASU,” said Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “The women of the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha will occupy a new chapter house to be constructed along with the four chapter houses already planned. We welcome them to the table as we continue work on the construction of these new projects.” The Zeta Tau Alpha house at Arkansas State will house 20 members with space for dining and meeting together.
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