Themis: Spring 2015

THEMIS of Zeta Tau Alpha | Spring 2015

Stories from “triplet” houses NPC ties strengthened through education Where does your donation go?

J ourney of a ifetime L

Spring 2015 · 1

Spring 2015 · Vol. 113 No. 3 (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

I was eight years old when my mother, former National President Nora Nell Hardy Jackson (pictured top right), introduced this column in the spring 1979 issue of Themis. We sat at our kitchen table as she wrote and I did my homework. Like most of the ZTA activities that surrounded my childhood, this made almost no impression on me.

As a high school senior, I became more interested in sorority life. You might think the decision to join ZTA was easy, but even after growing up with a National President, I felt torn during recruitment. As PNMs made their choices after Preference, I was the last one left in the room still contemplating which group to join. As we know, I chose ZTA! I enjoyed my collegiate experience, but it was not until I became an alumna that I fully understood the impact ZTA could have on my life.

When I moved to Texas, it was reassuring to know there were sisters who would help me adjust. Through alumnae involvement, I met women who would change my life. One became the godmother of my youngest son. Others became travel companions, coworkers in community projects and even partners in crime on social outings. I met still others while serving on the national level who would become my closest friends (top left). I met one of the women I call a best friend (bottom right) through an alumnae chapter she joined even though she already had many friends from college in town.

I encourage you to join your local alumnae chapter no matter how many ZTA friends are in your circle. Being an active alumna offers even more than new friendships—flexibility. The path of involvement is up to you. The alumna experience opened the door to me becoming a chapter advisor, Province President and member of National Council.

While college is the start of the ZTA journey, it makes up just a small portion. Truly, Zeta Is Forever. Make the most of this opportunity. Let the gift of friendship and sisterhood last a lifetime.

National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Laura Ladewig Mauro, Theta Psi Extension Director Marlene Dunbar Conrad, Eta Iota 2 · THEMIS

Secretary-Treasurer Beta Gamma, Florida State University

ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION President Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, Epsilon

pg. 19

Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron Secretary Marty E. Sik, Alpha Chi

pg. 30

pg. 20

J ourney of a L ifetime

We all know Zeta Is Forever, but what does that look like 10, 20 or 40 years after initiation? Take a look at page 20 to see snapshots from generations of sisters who have allowed the ZTA experience to have a profound impact on their lives. Through transitions into the real world, career moves, motherhood, reunions and reflections, these sisters have seen how ZTA remains through each stage of life.

Women at any age can learn from those who came before them, and benefit from the support of a never-ending sisterhood.

NPC advances sorority through education, pg. 30 The National Panhellenic Conference is putting greater importance on training collegiate Panhellenic officers to be stronger leaders.

ZTA Foundation funds have major impact, pg. 32 Your donations support philanthropic efforts and educational programs. See where funds went during the 2013–2014 fiscal year.

Triplet houses hold cherished memories, pg. 34 In the 1960s, three ZTA houses were built using similar construction plans. First residents share memories from the “triplet” houses.

Founders envisioned bright future, pg. 38 Our Founders were fascinated with what the future would bring for ZTA, and often spoke of the legacy they hoped to leave behind.

In Every Issue 4 Things We Zeta Love 6 Collegiate Chapter News 12 Collegian Profile

Directors at Large Susan Beard, Delta Psi Jan Spradley McCarthy, Gamma Phi Kay McCoy McKelvey, Delta Delta Karen Farmer Mills, Gamma Iota Terri Dew Millsap, Alpha Nu Casey Guimbellot Pash, Iota Chi Anne Petro Tamulaitis, Alpha Kappa Christine Flora Walter, Gamma Chi Karla Lundgren Wheeler, Psi Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma

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 Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron

13 Alumnae Chapter News 19 Alumna Profile 36 Points of Pride Spring 2015 · 3

Things We

Zeta Love

Craft with Purpose ZTA Mug April is Advisor Appreciation Month. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to thank your advisors for all they do. Make your own ZTAthemed gifts, like this adorable mug! Cut out and tape our letters in any font to a clean mug and use Sharpies or paint markers to outline them with dots. Remove the paper and place the mug in a cold oven.

Turn it to 350 degrees and set a timer for 30 minutes. When time is up, turn the oven off and allow the mug to cool inside the oven. Give it to your advisor as a special thank you! Check out our video tutorial on our “Fun Ways to Show Sisterly Love” Pinterest board.

Why I Serve As the Program Council Advisor for Beta Omicron Chapter (University of South Carolina), my most treasured moments include time advising collegians. If I could press “repeat” on one advising moment, it would be working with sisters who take the ideals of ZTA and transform them into programming realities. For me, receiving ZTA Foundation scholarships that allowed me to reach my professional goals, gaining six best friends who became bridesmaids, and knowing former and fellow advisors who will be lifelong friends, are just a few of the reasons why I serve—and will always serve—our most deserving Fraternity.

Chantelle Lytle Neese, Beta Omicron

Our crown reminds us to embody the five ZTA values taught to all new members—loyalty, responsibility, service, leadership and commitment. Where have you seen a five-point crown in the real world? On a building? In a painting?

Atop a sculpture? Once you start looking for crowns, you’ll probably see them everywhere. Snap a photo and share it with us on social media using #FoundtheCrown.

Your picture might end up in an issue of Themis!

4 · THEMIS · Things We Zeta Love

FRED Quick Quiz Match the Founder to her identifier in the Mystifying Picture 1. Maud Jones Horner 2. Frances Yancey Smith 3. Alice Bland Coleman 4. Ruby Leigh Orgain

A. The Poet B. The Angel C. The Preacher D. The Lawyer Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. A; 4. D

Found the Crown

Farewell, Letters to Themis We’ve changed this page to bring you ideas and information that is relevant to your ZTA experience.

Let us know what ideas inspired you, what you learned and how you’re making connections to ZTA by using #ThingsWeZetaLove. You could end up on this page!

Crown & Co. Gold Sparkle Stitched V-Neck $28

Zeta Love Flowy Tee $25

Crown & Co. can create custom chapter T-shirts and apparel! Artwork and shipping are free on all custom chapter orders.

Submit your design request to Crown&Co@zetataualpha.org.

Crown Power Washed Tank $28

Chevron Monogram Camelbak $25

ORDER BY PHONE or ONLINE (317) 872-0540 store.zetataualpha.org

Spring 2015 路 5

Collegiate Chapter News Zeta University of Tennessee, Knoxville As just one of their many service projects, Zeta Chapter members volunteered at the Love Kitchen once a month to prepare bread and other food for homeless people. This handson service opportunity gave our sisters a chance to give back while spending time with each other.

Alpha Xi Indiana University Alpha Xi Chapter was thinking pink this spring! Each chapter member participated in decorating cards with inspirational messages for hospital patients. The notes of encouragement were handed out with the hope that they would brighten the rooms of those seeking treatment.

Mu Drury University Together, the interfraternal community at Drury University packed 300,000 meals in just one day as part of the Meals a Million Packa-Thon project. The meals packaged during Greek Week were sent to people affected by Ebola in Liberia.

Alpha Psi University of Missouri To celebrate sisterhood, Alpha Psi Chapter set up a cupcake bar for sisters to decorate delicious cupcakes together. The event doubled as a CROWN event and gave members the opportunity to meet potential new members while showing them how fun sisterhood can be.

Phi Duke University Our chapter at Duke knows that sisters who cook together, stay together.

Chapter seniors participated in a potluck-style dinner where each member brought the recipe and ingredients for one meal and taught her sisters how to prepare it.

Alpha Gamma University of Michigan Alpha Gamma Chapter is doing its part to ensure that #ZetasAreSmart with a myriad of academic programming.

The chapter hosted a “majors fair” that allowed Zetas to advise sisters who wanted to explore new majors.

The chapter also boasts a library of textbooks and study resources to help its members excel.

Alpha Mu Washburn University Intramurals can play a large part in chapter events, but playing informal games is just as fun for Alpha Mu Chapter. Because basketball is very popular amongst members, many sisters regularly get together to put on their gear and shoot hoops in the gym.

6 · THEMIS · Collegiate Chapter News

1 Beta Gamma Florida State University Our late Executive Director Deb Ensor loved Florida State and her collegiate chapter, Beta Gamma. To honor Deb, alumnae and Beta Gamma Chapter’s EC members gathered at the chapter house for an informal memorial service. During the ceremony, former National President Nora Nell Hardy Jackson spoke of Deb’s lasting legacy and sisters dedicated a bench on the front lawn in her name.

Beta Theta Franklin College We know Zeta Is Forever, but it is always fun to see it in action! Beta Theta Chapter seniors spent an evening with alumnae who shared why they first fell in love with ZTA and how our Fraternity has been, and will always be, a part of their lives.

3 Beta Iota Centenary College of Louisiana Beta Iota Chapter started this semester on the right foot with a healthy living sisterhood event

appropriately titled “NamaZTA.” Zetas and potential new members enjoyed relaxing with yoga, healthy snacks and natural face masks.

Beta Lambda University of Louisville Our members at University of Louisville learned to mind their “p’s and q’s” with an etiquette dinner.

Chapter members wore badge attire and learned table setting basics, how to carry oneself in a formal setting and how to properly eat a spaghetti meal from an etiquette instructor.

Beta Nu New Mexico State University Snow is a rare occurrence in Las Cruces, New Mexico, so our sisters were overjoyed when they awoke to a blanket of snow covering the ground one January day. With classes cancelled, they spent the day sipping hot chocolate, listening to the “Frozen” soundtrack and playing in the snow. Two members were especially excited to see snow for the very first time!

Beta Phi Michigan State University To prepare for the working world, our sisters at MSU attended a Membership Enrichment Résumé Workshop with an advisor from the university’s career services center.

Members learned how to craft a strong résumé and thrive during interviews. After the lesson, they tested their skills by drafting their own résumés in groups. The advisor reviewed each one and provided additional feedback.

4 Beta Omega Union University As a part of a campus-wide community day, Beta Omega Chapter members volunteered at multiple locations, including a Montessori School where

1 they built a storage unit and cultivated a garden. ZTA had more members participate in Community Day than any other organization, including five Zetas who helped lead the volunteer projects.

Gamma Alpha University of Miami Learning the “nobility of serving” and more about each other went hand-in-hand during one of Gamma Alpha Chapter’s service events. Just a couple of weeks after Bid Day, new members and chapter sisters worked together to make fleece tie blankets for hospital patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

2 Gamma Beta Washington College Our sisters partnered with the Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Omicron Pi chapters on campus to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to 58 families. Our chapter’s General Advisor was generous enough to donate turkeys for each basket so every family could have a real feast.

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Gamma Iota University of Florida Alumnae are a fantastic resource for each collegiate chapter. Gamma Iota Chapter hosted a networking dinner that allowed collegians to learn more about mental health administration, nursing and higher education from alumnae in each field.

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Gamma Rho Auburn University Zeta Love and puppy love collided when Gamma Rho Chapter volunteered at the local humane society this semester. Sisters spent time together while playing with the cats and dogs. Many Zetas also donated pet supplies to help the shelter care for the animals.

Gamma Chi Indiana State University Gamma Chi Chapter members know the importance of being role models.

They also appreciate the art of good, old-fashioned hand-written letters.

Sisters started a pen pal program 4

at a local elementary school in which they send positive letters of encouragement to kids in two classes.

Delta Beta Florida Southern College During its Pink Week, Delta Beta Chapter hosted “Kick Out Cancer,” an outdoor kick-boxing workout class.

Attendees learned techniques from a kick-boxing instructor and received granola bars from chapter members.

Delta Zeta Sam Houston State University This chapter’s “Z-Factor” philanthropy event was a huge hit on campus. Twelve contestants performed comedic acts, sang songs and more to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness.

After each act, attendees voted by putting money in their favorite contestant’s basket.

6 Delta Chi William Jewell College New members of this chapter experienced a Bid Day to remember.

The evening started with a “Just Dance” party, complete with snacks and sisterhood. After dancing the night away, members enjoyed a

sleepover in the chapter room and brunch together the next morning.

and more, during what sounds like a truly meaningful and sweet event!

Delta Omega Westminster College Our sisters hosted a Stand up! Stand out! event, open to all Greek women on campus. The fun and educational night included Zumba and yoga instructors who spoke to the groups about healthy living.

Zeta Psi Jacksonville State University Zeta Psi Chapter showed the rest of campus what Zeta Love is all about during its Zeta Tau Awesome Week. Each day, sisters distributed goodies to their classmates in the student union. The chapter also delivered donuts to the faculty offices on campus. Activities during this week doubled as CROWN events for potential new members.

9 Zeta Gamma Youngstown State University What’s better than getting pizza delivered? Learning to make your own pie with your sisters! Zeta Gamma Chapter members learned the entire process, from kneading dough to choosing toppings, from experts at a local pizza shop. Sisters expressed their creativity by creating designs with the toppings and decorating their own pizza boxes.

8 Zeta Theta East Central University Sisterhood events are always fun, but Zeta Theta Chapter members decided to explore the true meaning of sisterhood together. They spent an evening building each other up with confidence boosters, team builders

Eta Iota Valdosta State University To celebrate Thanksgiving, Eta Iota Chapter hosted a potluck sisterhood dinner. Chapter members sat in a

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5 8 · THEMIS · Collegiate Chapter News

Eta Theta Missouri University of Science and Technology Channeling their inner Sherlock Holmes, the women of Eta Theta Chapter enjoyed a burglary mystery sisterhood event. Each chapter member was assigned an alumna from former chapter composites to embody—both in dress and personality. Sisters worked in groups to figure out who stole a “missing” composite.

circle and shared what they were most thankful for as they munched on the delicious feast. They then made a cookbook out of all the recipes for the dishes they shared to distribute during Parents’ Weekend.

Eta Lambda College of Charleston Eta Lambda Chapter is a long-time supporter of The Cinderella Project, an organization that helps provide a better prom experience for those in need. Chapter members gladly donated dresses, purses and shoes, as well as money for makeup packs, so more girls can have a memorable night.

Eta Mu Georgia Regents University Eta Mu Chapter members got together to help families in need.

They prepared and served a taco buffet dinner for homeless families staying at a local church. After the meal, sisters played a friendly game of basketball with the kids.

7 Eta Xi Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University The popular Disney movie “Frozen” is about the relationship between

sisters. During their “Chozen” Bid Day celebration, Eta Xi Chapter members extended a warm welcome to 59 new sisters worth melting for, a theme throughout the movie. The chapter crafted silver glitter crowns for new members and decorated the room with an abundance of snowflakes.

Theta Delta Salisbury University Theta Delta Chapter members had a great time playing laser tag together.

The sisterhood activity strengthened their relationships, improved communication skills and allowed them to create lasting memories.

Eta Sigma The University of North Carolina at Pembroke During a chapter meeting, the Risk Reduction and Education Chairman led a My Sister, My Responsibility program in which members held a ZTA flag with two hands. She asked questions such as “have you ever skipped class?” The members who were guilty of that action let go of the flag with one hand. Eventually, the flag fell to the floor, symbolizing that individual actions affect the entire chapter’s reputation.

Theta Zeta Wofford College Membership enrichment is a large part of Theta Zeta Chapter’s programming. Sisters recently learned about credit card fraud, date rape drugs and skin damage caused by the sun through memorable, interactive activities planned by the Membership Enrichment Chairman.

Eta Chi Francis Marion University Dressed in their holiday best, Eta Chi Chapter members joined the local Alpha Delta Pi and Kappa Delta chapters for a Panhellenic holiday mixer. Members of all three groups enjoyed snapping pictures in a photo booth and sharing laughs over pizza.

Theta Nu Auburn University at Montgomery Eight teams played softball to raise money for our philanthropy in Theta Nu Chapter’s recent tournament.

The chapter was able to raise several thousand dollars for the ZTA Foundation through this fun event.

5 Theta Omicron Baylor University Sisterhood knows no distance and isn’t fazed by rivalry! Sisters from Baylor who attended the Cotton Bowl

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8 Collegiate Chapter News · Spring 2015 · 9

10 in Dallas, Texas, arranged to meet up with Zetas from Michigan State University who were also attending.

They were able to have a quick sisterhood moment during halftime.

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Theta Phi California State University, Fullerton Theta Phi Chapter provided bear hugs for patients in the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Sisters went to Build-A-Bear Workshop in Downtown Disney to create unique bears that were then donated to the hospital for the holidays. Chapter members enjoyed each other’s company while serving those in their community.

Theta Psi Texas State University-San Marcos The new members of Theta Psi Chapter were rocking and rolling during their retreat at a roller skating rink in Austin, Texas. Decked out in their ‘80s best, they had a great time bonding at this fun event.

Theta Omega California State Polytechnic University, Pomona One of this chapter’s favorite annual events is the Mother-Daughter Tea, hosted by the parents’ club. Zetas spent the afternoon showing their moms what ZTA sisterhood is all about with refreshments and special bonding activities.

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13 10 · THEMIS · Collegiate Chapter News

12 Iota Alpha Robert Morris University Living The Creed is sometimes easier said than done, which is why Iota Alpha Chapter’s new program is so awesome. Each week, the Ritual Chairman chooses a line of The Creed to spotlight and Executive Council votes on a member who embodies it. This makes for a cool recognition opportunity as well as a reminder to live our values each day.

Iota Nu Susquehanna University Iota Nu Chapter members earn “berry bucks” throughout the semester by regularly attending chapter meetings, sisterhood activities, socials and

other events. At the end of the semester, they used their berry bucks to bid on items (like stitched letters, canvases, cupcakes and more) at a sisterhood event.

Iota Rho East Carolina University To celebrate the holidays, each Panhellenic group on East Carolina University’s campus organized a different activity as part of a party for the local Boys and Girls Club. Iota Rho Chapter oversaw “Santa Snacks” and made edible crafts out of grapes, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and toothpicks with the kids.

Iota Phi North Carolina State University Iota Phi Chapter’s annual “Princess for a Day” event is a huge hit with young girls from the surrounding areas. Chapter members dressed up as Elsa, Snow White, Cinderella and other princesses and enjoyed fun activities with the girls like painting nails, watching movies, making crowns and putting on makeup.

14 Kappa Alpha Colorado State University Chapter members took part in the Front Range Polar Plunge 5K for Athletes in Tandem, a non-profit organization that helps athletes with disabilities participate in running, swimming, biking and triathlon events. Our sisters had a great time learning the “nobility of serving” while being active together.

Kappa Zeta Clemson University In a unique and cultural sisterhood event, Kappa Zeta Chapter members learned how to roll sushi from a professional chef at a local Japanese restaurant. They were taught rolling, cutting and garnishing techniques for several types of sushi.

Kappa Eta Rockhurst University Kappa Eta Chapter sisters had the opportunity to volunteer on a weekly basis at Amethyst Place, a local

organization that provides shelter and support for women recovering from addictions. Our sisters offered support by entertaining the kids while the women sought services from the shelter.

Kappa Omicron Merrimack College Sisters always enjoy spreading Zeta Love. Through “Girls Love Mail,” chapter members created handwritten cards of heartfelt encouragement for women undergoing cancer treatments to remind them they have support.

Kappa Pi University of South Carolina Aiken Alumnae joined Kappa Pi Chapter in a softball tournament and home run derby. Everyone enjoyed catching balls in the outfield and running bats back to the dugouts while forging bonds between sisters of all ages.

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Kappa Tau Florida Gulf Coast University The Kappa Tau Chapter Director of Sisterhood provided mugs, canvases and picture frames for a crafting sisterhood event. Chapter members enjoyed sharing their talents and ideas with each other during the fun and creative evening.

Kappa Phi Christopher Newport University Gingerbread houses are holiday classics, but Zetabread houses may be even better. New members split into groups to create the most spirited Zetabread house. Groups showed their ZTA knowledge by recreating the Kappa Phi apartments and our Founders, made out of gumdrops.

Kappa Psi Kutztown University Sisters were able to give back to their local community by serving at a temporary grocery store set up in the basement of a church for families in need. Zetas restocked shelves, helped bag groceries and interacted with the families in attendance.

Kappa Omega Saint Louis University Successful women are a wonderful resource for collegiate sisters. The Panhellenic Delegate for Kappa Omega Chapter organized a Stand up! Stand out! event in which professional women spoke on the importance of remaining true to oneself in the business world.

Members from Kappa Delta also attended and everyone was inspired by the speakers’ personal stories.

Lambda Alpha Sacred Heart University After watching “My Sister’s Keeper,” a movie about a sick child and her sister, Lambda Alpha Chapter members decided to write and decorate letters for children in the hospital. One chapter sister works at a local hospital and was able to deliver the letters herself.

10 Lambda Gamma The University of Texas at San Antonio Lambda Gamma Chapter celebrated its 5th birthday in January! To mark the occasion, the chapter happily welcomed three new members over slices of delicious birthday cake.

What a fun way to ring in five years of love and sisterhood!

Lambda Eta Virginia Commonwealth University Members of Lambda Eta Chapter combined fun and service when they attended a winter formal held

by Transitions, an organization for adults with special needs and disabilities. Zetas had a great night getting to know the attendees and dancing the night away.

13 Lambda Kappa Appalachian State University Our sisters from Lambda Kappa Chapter can’t resist puppy love!

Several times a month, they volunteered at a local pet adoption center. There they walked, fed and socialized with rescue puppies, and assisted shelter staff in the facility’s stock room.

Collegiate Chapter News · Spring 2015 · 11

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Questions with a published novelist

By Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi

What made you want to write a book?

My parents say I was a writer before I could even write. When I was younger I would draw picture books and tell them what to write. Apparently—and I don’t remember this part—I would take [the books] into my preschool and have my teacher read them. When I started college I experienced a lot of anxiety, and writing was one of those things that calmed me down and helped me focus.

What was your process for writing this book?

For this book, I really started writing it before I had a concrete idea of what I wanted it to be. Whenever I had an idea for a theme, I would stop and write it down. Toward the end of my freshman year—actually when I joined ZTA—I really sat down and started weaving the pieces together.

Meet Kelsie Harman!

A collegiate member of Eta Epsilon Chapter at Mansfield University, Kelsie is the author of “The Reaper’s Raven,” a young adult fantasy novel published by Crescent Moon Press.

You mentioned your sisters in the acknowledgements of your book. How did they help the process?

It’s a stressful process, just sending your book out there. Rejections are really hard, obviously, but [my sisters] kept me grounded and encouraged me. When my publisher asked to see my full manuscript, my ZTA sisters were so excited for me. I was surprised when my publisher sent me an email offering me a contract on Thanksgiving Day 2013. It was kind of surreal. I just couldn’t imagine that something I wrote was actually going to be a physical book.

Were any of the characters inspired by someone you know?

I think, in a way, the main character is everything that I wish I could be.

She’s very up-front about her feelings because she’s forced into these situations. In a way, being in ZTA helped me realize that my opinions are valid and that I need to speak up for myself. Having leadership positions in my chapter brought that out in me.

Do you have any advice or insight for someone interested in creative writing?

The biggest thing is to never stop. If you keep going, something will happen eventually. I read this quote, but I can’t remember who said it, “to remember that other people’s successes aren’t your failures.” It was hard for me to get out of my head and realize that just because other people were doing well, didn’t mean that I couldn’t. It’s also important to realize that, while I have my Littles and Big Sister telling me that I could be the next J.K. Rowling, there are thousands of other people being told the same thing. Be mindful and don’t let it affect you. Just concern yourself with how you’re growing, changing and learning.

12 · THEMIS · Collegian Profile

Alumnae Chapter News Birmingham Alabama You never know what connections will be made at a ZTA event. As a result of two alumnae in Birmingham sitting next to each other at a White Violet Ceremony and Luncheon, Myralyn Frizzelle Allgood and Mary Louise Barbour published a book about the mission trips of Samford University students.

fun sisterhood event continued over lunch at a local café.

Northern Arizona Arizona The Yavapai-Prescott Tribe Health Fair has become an annual event for the Northern Arizona Chapter.

Members distributed breast health information, Think Pink® ribbons and pencils while interacting with the community on the reservation.

San Diego California To reconnect with ZTA history, San Diego, CA Chapter declared this the Year of FRED. Each meeting, our sisters increased their ZTA knowledge with activities such as matching and word-association games. They will test what they learned at the end of the year with a Jeopardy game.

Tucson Arizona Members of this chapter got a full-body workout at an indoor rock climbing gym. Those who participated enjoyed the challenge of learning how to scale the wall while others watched and socialized. The

Long Beach California To combine sisterhood and service, the women of Long Beach held a Pajama Jam. Members sipped hot chocolate in their favorite PJs and collected blankets, robes and pajamas to donate to those in need.

1 Westside-Santa Monica California The women of this chapter love a good girls’ night! Members met at a local restaurant where 20 percent of the bill went toward the ZTA

Foundation. Another night, a group went to the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for a screening of “Into the Woods.”

Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada The alumnae of Beta Rho Chapter enjoyed High Tea as part of Winnipeg’s Festival of Lights. The event, which was organized by one of the chapter members, included a raffle of Christmas trees and wreaths and benefitted the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

2 Clearwater Florida After the holidays, members got together for a “regift” exchange in which everyone brought an item they received but didn’t love. Everyone had fun watching sisters’ reactions to the unwanted gifts they inherited.

Gainesville Florida In addition to cooking a warm meal for families staying at the Ronald

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McDonald House in Gainesville, members of this chapter sat down with the parents of sick children for a friendly conversation and to offer words of encouragement.

3 Miami Florida Alumnae of this chapter spent an evening at Cao Chocolates in Miami learning about how chocolate is made, from bean to bar. The lesson was made even sweeter with samples of white, milk and dark chocolate varieties.

Southern Atlanta West Georgia While the President of this chapter was on her honeymoon in Mexico, other members got in the spirit with an authentic Mexican meal and travel-themed event. Sisters shared their favorite vacation memories and discussed packing and moneysaving tips.

Chicago West Suburban Illinois Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing specially formulated meal packs for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries. Members of Chicago West Suburban, IL Chapter supported the cause by gathering on multiple occasions to make food packs.

City of Chicago Illinois To show support for our troops, members held a Valentines for Veterans event. Our sisters showed off their creativity and shared Zeta Love by creating dozens of thoughtful cards for soldiers serving overseas.

St. Louis Metro East Illinois Sisters in this chapter enjoyed a fun and informative sisterhood at a local home décor boutique. The owners presented a special session on decorating tips such as how to make bed coverings and ideas for curtains.

Members ended the evening with frozen custard.

14 · THEMIS · Alumnae Chapter News

Evansville Indiana For their holiday party, women in Evansville combined sisterhood and service. After their ornament exchange, members packed finals survival bags for Zeta Alpha Chapter, which included notes of encouragement from the parents who sponsored the project in support of the ZTA Foundation.

Lafayette Indiana Members of this chapter got in the spirit at their annual holiday party and white elephant gift exchange.

Sisters of all ages enjoyed taking pictures in a photo booth with fun holiday-themed props.

Topeka Kansas The newly reactivated Topeka, KS Chapter celebrated sisterhood with a night of artistic expression at a local paint studio. Sisters nibbled on snacks while creating artwork and enjoyed seeing the finished masterpieces.

Louisville Kentucky Over the holiday season, the alumnae of Louisville sponsored a family through Family Scholar House, an organization that supports singleparents pursuing a college degree to become self-sufficient. Members provided clothing and household items for a family of four.

Northshore Louisiana Sisterhood is often shared over a good meal. In addition to dinners on the ninth of each month, in honor of our nine Founders, the women of Northshore, LA Chapter held a tapas night at a sister’s home. Members sampled a variety of appetizers and enjoyed a relaxing night.

Annapolis Maryland As part of its “Around the World” theme for the year, this chapter went on a private twisted history tour of downtown Annapolis. Sisters

explored historic locations and heard mysterious stories from a time when the city had close ties to England.

5 Northern Maryland Maryland Charm City natives and new residents alike got to know Baltimore better with a hunt around the city. Using a free shuttle, sisters worked together to visit famous landmarks such as the National Aquarium, Inner Harbor and grave site of Edgar Allen Poe. Salisbury Maryland Sisters in this chapter started the year with wellness in mind by attending a Yin yoga session at a local studio. This slow-paced style of yoga warmed members’ muscles and cleared their minds to prepare them for a happy and healthy year.

4 Silver Springs Maryland To celebrate fall birthdays, sisters got together to make and decorate cupcakes that they enjoyed along with each other’s company. Members finished the evening by assembling more than 100 finals week goodie bags for Iota Omega Chapter. The bags contained ZTA trinkets, snacks and study aides.

Ann Arbor Michigan The women of Ann Arbor were transported with “A Taste of Tuscany,” held at one sister’s home.

Members enjoyed various dips, meats and cheeses, hot appetizers and cannoli from a local Italian bakery. This relaxing sisterhood gave members a chance to catch up and get to know one another better.

Greater Oxford Mississippi Alumnae in this chapter combined two service projects with sisterhood at their Soup-R-Bowl lunch in January. Members collected canned goods to help stock the shelves of a

3 local food pantry and supplies that will go into backpacks for homeless people in Oxford.

Blue Ridge North Carolina This alumnae chapter is celebrating our Founders each month with its “Happy Birthday FREDA HAMM” theme. In addition to highlighting a different Founder at each gathering, “birthday” events have included a night of writing letters to Lambda Kappa Chapter members, a holiday party and a chili dinner.

Hickory-Morganton North Carolina Members of this chapter are spending the year exploring the Wellness Wheel.

For social wellness, sisters got together for dinner and a gift exchange. The women explored spiritual wellness with a discussion about the different components of spirituality and what that means to each person.

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Lake Norman North Carolina When the Lake Norman women gathered for their holiday party, they took a break from their white elephant gift exchange and tacky holiday sweater contest to serve those outside our circle. The women donated items for the holidays to a family they sponsored through an organization that supports families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer or another life-altering illness.

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6 Research Triangle North Carolina Members of this chapter did a little holiday shopping at a local jewelry store while enjoying time together. As a bonus, 15 percent of the proceeds went toward the Recognition Scholarship the chapter sponsors each year.

Winston-Salem North Carolina Each month, this chapter is upping their awareness of different causes.

For Alzheimer’s awareness, sisters played a memory game and wrote 6

letters to the members they hadn’t seen in a while. In December, members took time during their ugly holiday sweater fashion show to become more aware of toy safety because so many sisters have small children.

Mercer-Bucks New Jersey Nothing brings back collegiate memories like a movie night with sisters! The chapter gathered for a viewing of the popular 1987 movie “The Lost Boys,” along with snacks and pink leg warmers.

Northern New Jersey New Jersey Because many of the Northern New Jersey women enjoy tea, they organized events around the activity.

Members visited High SocieTea, a historical tea room, for their choice of more than 40 types of tea, finger sandwiches, desserts and scones.

Sisters also created their own tea service for a viewing of the season premiere of Downton Abbey.

10 Las Cruces New Mexico Our sisters in Las Cruces worked with their District President to recruit

women who were not previously involved with the alumnae chapter.

Their efforts brought new members to an ugly sweater holiday party and ornament exchange. The women were happy to see many new faces return for a sisterhood dinner the following month.

8 Rochester New York The weekend before Thanksgiving, our sisters from this chapter helped distribute food baskets to families in need. Including the meals the alumnae delivered to the largest homeless shelter in Rochester and a temporary shelter for women and children, the project provided more than 3,000 meals.

Cleveland-East Ohio Cookies are a great way to spread holiday cheer to people of all ages!

Cleveland-East alumnae baked and decorated cookies for a retirement community where one member’s 100-year-old mother lives. In addition to the holiday cookies, the women made crown cookies for the collegians of Delta Delta Chapter to enjoy during final exam study breaks.

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7 Cleveland-West Ohio The women of this chapter used their artistic abilities to send some Zeta Love to orphaned children in Ethiopia. Sisters gathered to create a variety of valentines that one member and her husband included in a care package sent overseas.

Dayton Ohio Panhellenic love was celebrated at the 16th annual Farmville Four Luncheon at the University of Dayton.

The alumnae hosted members of ZTA, Kappa Delta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha at the Iota Pi Chapter house for a meal, stories and service. The women collected more than 230 pairs of socks to donate to a local shelter.

Stillwater Oklahoma One of the ways alumnae stay involved with ZTA is by supporting a collegiate chapter. The women of Stillwater demonstrated that Zeta Is Forever by providing pizza and dessert for Alpha Upsilon Chapter during finals week. The collegians appreciated the support and muchneeded study break.

Portland Oregon To celebrate sisterhood and the holidays, members gathered at the home of the chapter President to share desserts and recipes with one another. Everyone enjoyed spending time with a few collegians from Kappa Mu Chapter who attended. At the end of the party, each woman left with a glittery turquoise ornament to hang on her own tree back home.

Charleston South Carolina It’s always nice to get away with sisters. Charleston alumnae enjoyed two days of relaxing and socializing at their Super Bowl Sisterhood Retreat on Edisto Island. Members dined on a potluck dinner, celebrated the engagement of a sister with a candlelight ceremony, enjoyed a night of dancing the state dance, “The Shag,” and shared a quiet brunch before heading back to Charleston for the big football game.

Columbia South Carolina The night before South Carolina’s Zeta Day, this chapter hosted a “Taste of the South” party with food inspired by local cuisine for all South Carolina

alumnae. The women were especially excited to welcome members from two new alumnae chapters, Greenwood and Upper Palmetto.

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Spartanburg South Carolina The holidays are always more fun when sisters get together. The women of Spartanburg celebrated Friendsgiving with a meal and food drive. The following month, members shared gifts with one another with an ornament exchange.

Chattanooga Tennessee To raise important funds for the ZTA Foundation, the Chattanooga, TN Chapter held a silent auction called “A Few of My Favorite Things.” After members described their items, ranging from a relaxation-themed gift basket to handmade scarves, the women mingled, enjoyed appetizers and desserts, and bid on items.

Nashville Tennessee A large network of women provides the benefit of resources and support for all events in life. To kick off the year, this chapter shared healthy

recipes, defined exercise goals and, because many members are expecting children, discussed tips for new moms.

Tri-Cities Tennessee The members of this chapter hosted three retail vendors one afternoon to combine holiday shopping and fundraising. The women enjoyed flipping through Thirty-One, Pampered Chef and Origami Owl catalogues over lunch. Each vendor donated a percentage of their profits to the ZTA Foundation to support our national philanthropy.

11 Collin County Texas The alumnae of Collin County, TX Chapter gave parents and other alumnae an opportunity to support the collegians of Theta Eta and Gamma Psi chapters with the purchase of exam study stash bags.

The women donated snacks and study supplies for 74 bags and the funds raised went to the ZTA Foundation.

Cypress Texas Members of this chapter went above and beyond with their toy drive

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to make the holidays special for kids staying at the Texas Children’s Hospital. Donations were collected at the chapter’s annual holiday party, which included a special three-course meal to celebrate the year’s successes.

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Fort Worth Texas The Joan Katz Breast Center is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Our sisters in Fort Worth had the unique opportunity of meeting with representatives to better understand the work of the center.

Educational opportunities like this deepen members’ connections to our national philanthropy, breast cancer education and awareness.

Hidalgo County Texas To help Lambda Delta Chapter celebrate Valentine’s Day, an alumna created cards for the collegians to share with one another. Alumnae helped reinforce that Zeta Is Forever by giving the collegians a simple way to keep in touch and celebrate sisterhood.

13 Houston Texas While volunteering at Dress for Success, a non-profit that provides professional attire to disadvantaged 18 · THEMIS · Alumnae Chapter News

women, alumnae got a behind-thescenes look at the facility used to promote advancement. In addition to the tour, the women sorted and labeled thousands of clothing donations.

Houston Northwest Texas To give more members an opportunity for involvement, this chapter rotated groups that provided dinner for chapter gatherings. One member opened her home while five others helped host the meal. More sisters got a chance to contribute to meetings and everyone enjoyed regular sisterhood meals.

14 Midland Texas The executive council of Midland, TX Chapter hosted a fun Viva la ZTA couples’ fiesta. Members and their guests enjoyed an evening of culture and sisterhood with an assortment of delicious Mexican cuisine.

Salt Lake City Utah The dice game Bunco is popular in many ZTA alumnae groups. The women of Salt Lake City gathered at one member’s home for a friendly game night. Players both old and new got into the competitive spirit. In addition to the fun, sisters donated clothing items and toiletries to

the YWCA to support women and children in need.

Richmond Virginia The women of this chapter brought baked goods and appetizers to their meeting and asked one question: did they fake it or bake it? After sampling the dishes, members guessed if the items were store bought or homemade. A few items stumped the crowd!

Tidewater Virginia One of the great things about ZTA is the large amount of support each woman receives from her sisters. The members of Tidewater supported their sister by attending a cupcake decorating workshop at her bakery.

Attendees learned how to create fallthemed cupcakes with pumpkin and turkey accents.

Tri-Cities Virginia The members of this chapter spent a culturally enriching day together at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where they visited an exhibit on Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing. Sisters learned more about the Forbidden City with displays of embroidered costumes, sculptures and paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

A day in the life 7 a.m. — Business Meetings Following an early morning workout, Robin tackles her to-do lists, including meetings for her fitness apparel company.

She started Fit By You after overcoming a life-threatening illness where she experienced firsthand the power of positive thinking. Robin wanted to create a platform for people to share their stories while helping them stay on track with their health goals. “Your fitness is based on your motivation, so I wanted to create fun things that give positive motivation,” she said. Robin balances her business and music career using lessons she learned from being a Zeta. “In ZTA there were so many hats,” she said. “If I weren’t in ZTA, I wouldn’t be as organized as I am.”

3 p.m. — Community Outreach Robin teaches private vocal lessons and speaks to kids about the importance of education and how that can lead to living your dream. “I did what I needed to do [in school],” she said. “Now I get to do what I want to do.”

5 p.m. — Boot camp Through her fitness apparel, Robin hopes to motivate others to put health first.

of a musician & fitness apparel designer

By Ellen Crawford, Editor

Check out her clothing line Fit By You offers fun fitness apparel that encourages everyone to find their own fitness.

See more at fitbyyou.co.

12 p.m. — Vocal Practice Robin started singing at age 6. “There are so many great genres in the world, especially in New Orleans,” she said. Her own style is a mix of jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and New Orleans funk.

She released a short album in 2013 and hopes to finish her full album by the end of the year.

Meet Robin Barnes!

She’s an alumna from Delta Nu Chapter at the University of New Orleans.

8 p.m. — Gigs Robin tried corporate life after earning her master’s in business. Although she was good at her job, she wasn’t doing what she was passionate about.

“I wanted to be happy with what I did, and music was always that for me,” she said. She started focusing on her music career and using her business sense to market herself. Now known as The Songbird of New Orleans, Robin plays three to five gigs a week. Whether she’s pumping up the energy at music festivals or singing classics in lounges around ‘Nawlins, Robin is doing what she loves.

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urney of a ifetime L L E A R N I N G F R O M G E N E R AT I O N S O F LOV E A N D S I S T E R H O O D

B y E l l e n C r a w fo r d , E d i to r

Because Zeta Is Forever, we have the benefit of a strong sisterhood network that spans many years. As each Zeta walks, runs or stumbles through a different part of life, it is guaranteed that another has been there before.

Sisters at every age have something to learn from the women who came before them, and it’s possible because Zeta Tau Alpha is for life. Those resources are always available. The love is always there. The ZTA experience is always part of our lives.

No two women take the same path, but many encounter common themes. New graduates move to different cities and must adapt to new lifestyles. Women experience

highs and lows within their careers. Mothers balance a hundred things at once. Sisters grow up and scatter across the country, but when they get back together for a reunion, it’s like no time has passed.

Through all these stages, ZTA is a constant. New experiences can be challenging, but they are made easier with sister support. Many of our alumnae could not have imagined at 18 years old how ZTA would continue to play a role in their lives 10, 20 or 40 years later. Looking back, the connections may not have been day-to-day, and the journey may not have been easy, but the sisterhood never faltered. And it never will.

Feature · Spring 2015 · 21

Leaving college can be scary. There are a lot of uncertainties and the real world can be tough to navigate. There’s also the matter of getting used to a completely different schedule and lifestyle. Once Abby Goodin (Beta Nu Chapter, New Mexico State University) got the hang of her new job, she realized she had some time on her hands, and she turned to the Albuquerque, NM Alumnae Chapter.

The President at the time welcomed Abby with open arms.

After attending just a couple events, she felt at home.

These women weren’t necessarily the ones she spent four years with, but they were still her sisters, and they were there to support her during her sometimes stressful transition from collegiate to alumnae life.

Abby (pictured below) learned firsthand that there are many opportunities for ZTA involvement after college. Six months after she joined the alumnae chapter, Abby became a member of the executive council as the Vice President of Programming. A year later, with the support of women in the chapter, she became President.

“Knowing that I had such a great experience

with Zeta Tau Alpha in college, I knew that I needed to continue my membership and give back to the women of Albuquerque at the alumnae stage,” Abby said. “Holding these leadership positions and making sure I’m involved is sort of my way of saying, ‘I want to make sure your alumnae experience is as great as it was in college.’”

Although Abby is in the beginning stage of life after college, she has already experienced many of the benefits of lifelong membership in ZTA. When she left college, Abby thought she had everything figured out. Unfortunately, after a year at her first full-time job in marketing, she wasn’t happy. She knew she wasn’t in the right career and had to make a change to follow her dreams.

Changing everything again to become a national sales manager for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau was stressful, but she had a strong support network on which to lean. With the encouragement of her alumnae sisters and the knowledge she gained from leadership roles as a collegian, Abby found a career that makes her much happier and fulfilled.

For Abby, having mature, driven women who were already established in the working world to rely on made things easier. “I have already found that the transition from collegiate life to alumnae life has been so flawless and reassuring because I’m surrounded by a great alumnae chapter,” she said.

At different stages of a woman’s career, she might rely on ZTA in different ways. For Abby, the alumnae chapter provided support while she changed her path and pursued work that she enjoys. Other women may find opportunities for community involvement and networking through ZTA events and service. Finding Zetas to connect to all over the world is one way ZTA can provide comfort to women in transition, either after college or because of relocation for work or family.

After graduating from Georgia Southern University and working in Charlotte, North Carolina, Liz Foster Cooper (Zeta Xi Chapter) moved to Illinois to work as an anchor and reporter for the ABC affiliate in Springfield. In addition to the new job, Liz (pictured on right) was faced with a completely different environment after spending all her life in the south. Despite being new to the area, she was able to find new ZTA friends and continue her involvement through an alumnae chapter.

“I never imagined I would be living in Illinois, but now I’ve made lifelong friends through my connections with ZTA,” she said. By connecting with new sisters, Liz has been able to expand her ZTA network to include women with varying backgrounds and experiences.

One great thing about alumnae life is that the lessons learned in college are easily transferable. When she was the Secretary of the Springfield, IL Chapter, Liz was able to use the skills she developed as a collegiate leader to help

organize events and programs for the chapter. Liz never imagined that she would be so involved with ZTA 10 years after she initiated.

“Life throws you curveballs and you don’t know where your career or personal ambitions may take you,” she said. Liz is currently in the middle of a big career move to a new anchor/reporter position in a much bigger media market, back in North Carolina. “It’s nice to know that no matter where you are, you will likely have ZTA sisters that are only a phone call away.”

In addition to the obvious benefits of staying involved with ZTA, such as maintaining sisterhood and meeting new friends wherever she goes, Liz has found that ZTA has had a profound impact on her life through service and networking opportunities.

Through ZTA, Liz has become more involved within her community. “It’s a win-win to be able to help the community while hanging out with friends,” Liz said.

Through various events, Liz has met many people and made connections she might not have made otherwise.

Feature · Spring 2015 · 23

Although it may not be obvious in the moment, the connections made through ZTA and the skills learned early on continue to contribute to the success of many members throughout their lives. Stacy Kalisz Johnson (Iota Psi Chapter, Rochester Institute of Technology) used lessons learned during college to advance her career as an engineer and manager of a team that does e-marketing for a multi-national electronics company.

In a previous role, Stacy used the bumping technique learned for recruitment to filter through potential clients at trade shows. Although her team was initially hesitant, the practice led to a significant increase in sales for her company.

Another technique Stacy employs is what she calls “informational interviews.” Adapted from a program her chapter used for new members to meet older sisters, Stacy sets up 30 minute meetings with people to learn more about them, their jobs, what they need, etc. Taking time to just ask questions of people has helped Stacy network and advance in her career.

Stacy has helped a number of other people in their job searches by using this ZTA-learned skill as well.

Through her work, Stacy continues to find ZTA connections—she recently met an intern who is also a Zeta (pictured on far right). “It’s the perfect example of how ZTA still is in use in my life today,” she said.

Stacy has also used skills developed as a collegian in motherhood. As a House Manager in college for Iota Psi Chapter, Stacy learned the art of conflict resolution and problem solving. “Every Zeta learns that because you’re with such a big group of people all the time,” she said. For Stacy, those lessons have come in handy when dealing with her boys, ages 5, 7 and 9 (pictured on page 20, top Polaroid); the kids’ teachers; and her own coworkers. “It keeps following you wherever you go.”

Just like Stacy applies lessons she learned from ZTA to how she approaches motherhood, the values every Zeta adopts also come into play. She and her husband strive to pass the “nobility of serving” on to their sons by volunteering as a family. With such a hectic schedule, involvement with an alumnae chapter gives her family an avenue to serve without having to seek out opportunities on their own. With all the philanthropy events and service projects alumnae chapters participate in each year, there are always ways to get involved.

Leah Fields Ozment (Nu Chapter, The University of Alabama) works to instill the values of ZTA in her

daughters, ages 13 and 16 (pictured with Leah below), by personally demonstrating loyalty and ways of giving back. Having worked with Nu Chapter in multiple capacities for more than 20 years, including 17 years with the Nu Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha House Corporation, Leah is a testament to the idea that Zeta Is Forever.

“I never thought I’d still be working with ZTA after all this time,” she said. As she works on plans for the future 40,000-square-foot house for Nu Chapter (see page 34), her daughters see the dedication she has for the Fraternity. “They’re very proud of the work I’ve done,” she said. Being a positive example of loyalty and service is one way Leah is raising her daughters with ZTA values.

Leah also hopes to foster the kind of relationship between her daughters that she has with her ZTA sisters. To do so, Leah stresses the importance of embracing each other’s differences and supporting one another no matter what. Leah knows her ZTA sisters are always there for her, and she wants her girls to feel the same way about each other. She has also taught the girls that you have to work to maintain any relationship. “You have to make a point to keep in contact,” she said.

Working to stay involved with ZTA is no different.

Just like with anything else, Leah admits that lifelong involvement can come with frustrations, but when reminded of the love she has for her sisters and the great memories that have come with it, it’s worth it.

Regardless of the path each woman takes, life can get pretty hectic and stressful. But ZTA reminds us that we are not alone. There are hundreds of women who have already experienced promotions and setbacks and the terrible twos and teenage drama. Not only can connections in ZTA provide resources and tips for how to deal, but they can provide a break. “I think we, especially as women, need to have women that we are in touch with,” Stacy said. “I use [ZTA] as an outlet.”

As women get older and more engulfed in daily life, reunions with ZTA sisters can provide muchneeded breaks and opportunities for continued connections.

Feature 路 Spring 2015 路 25

As the years pass, it’s easy to get wrapped up in obligations and personal lives.

Many women remain involved with alumnae chapters and continue to benefit from those connections. But what becomes of the relationships between collegiate chapter sisters? Across the country, many groups have reunions to keep the sisterhood alive. The fact that so many sisters continue to get together years after college is a true testament to how much the ZTA experience continues to impact the lives of members.

Reunions give Zetas an opportunity to step away from the real world for a few days and reconnect with the women they formed bonds with back in college. Ann Ficco Dastur (Gamma Xi Chapter, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) gets together with four other Gamma Xis every year for a long weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (pictured on cover, bottom left). The women enjoy a weekend break from families and work commitments to celebrate sisterhood. “We’ve been friends for over half our lives,” Ann said. In the 20 years since they graduated from college, their relationship hasn’t really changed. “We’ve grown up around our friendship,” she said.

The women have seen each other through marriages, divorces, children and job changes. When Ann’s mother, also a Zeta, was honored at a White Violet ceremony for 50 years of membership, Ann’s friends attended.

26 · THEMIS · Feature

After growing up around ZTA, Ann was thrilled to have her sisters there to celebrate her mother’s milestone.

Although the women live in different places, their reunions and continued support of one another keep their ZTA connection relevant and stronger than ever.

A group of alumnae from Delta Beta Chapter at Florida Southern College (pictured on right), including Jan Sawyer Tassitano, have been getting together for the past few years. These reunions, which started with the graduating classes of 1982 and 1983, have grown to include women from many classes. The group enjoys a weekend on the beach, flipping through scrapbooks, singing the old songs and celebrating sisterhood while watching the sunset.

With each passing year, the support system women get from their sisters remains as important as ever. “We help each other,” Jan said. “We’re going through a lot of similar things in our lives. A lot of us have parents who are aging and we’re dealing with that.” While situations have changed for the women, the support has not faltered and the bond remains.

Jan has seen one change in their relationships though.

“We’re more accepting of each other as who we are and what we’ve been through,” she said. “You get to your fifties, and there are new challenges that you didn’t have in your twenties. It’s nice to have a support group on top of the support group you have at home.”

Oftentimes, reunions promote new connections that open women up to even more love. Gaynor Gadbois Lubojasky (Theta Psi Chapter, Texas State University–San Marcos) met a number of women through reunions who she now counts as close friends. As a charter member of the chapter and the first President, Gaynor enjoys reunions with

members from across the years and current collegiate members. “One of the coolest things when we go back for a reunion is to see the legacy we left behind,” she said. “We had no idea it would grow as big as it has.” These reunions have strengthened the bonds of chapter members of all ages and forged opportunities for the alumnae to support the collegians on a deeper level.

Although Gaynor is not in constant contact with her sisters, the bond they share is still so special. “When we get back together there is no time lost. It just clicks,” she said.

Through celebrations and losses, the women continue to be there for one another, something Gaynor could not have predicted when they started Theta Psi Chapter. “We were a bunch of young girls with raw passion who did something risky and courageous,” she said. “We didn’t have any clue that 35 years later the women we did this with would be the women we still love and want to be friends with.”

As Zetas grow older, some of the things that mattered in college become less important. Cande McNally Elchroth (Gamma Delta Chapter, University of Mississippi) has found that when she gets together with a group of Gamma Deltas spanning about 10 new member classes, the focus has shifted (pictured on page 20, bottom right Polaroid, at a 2005 reunion). “You put less importance on just your Big or just your Little and more importance on everybody.”

Cande recently traveled to Southern France with a smaller group of sisters (pictured on left). “Some of us hadn’t seen each other in years,” she said. “It’s amazing, but you forget the petty little things and you remember the good stuff.”

For Cande, alumnae life has allowed for more opportunities to pick how she spends her time and chooses to be involved in ZTA. As a retired school teacher, Cande enjoys

the freedom she has to be involved with three different alumnae chapters: Detroit Alpha; Grand Rapids, MI; and Grand Traverse, MI. When she was a District President, Cande got to know the different chapters and was interested in the diversity of membership, programs and service opportunities each offered. “Each of these chapters has something that I want to be involved with,” she said.

“The greatest benefit of being involved is being able to continue doing ZTA things.”

With all the ways to stay involved and the magnitude of sisters to lean on, ZTA doesn’t end after college. Every collegian hears that, but many can’t grasp what it actually means or imagine what their involvement will look like 10, 20 or 40 years down the line.

Janet Durham Gaskins (Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Oklahoma State University) reflected on her own ZTA experience with a letter to her 18-year-old self on Bid Day in 1974 (next page).

After experiencing different levels of involvement—with years away from ZTA and years immersed in leadership, advisory and local house corporation roles— Janet offers tips for navigating the journey ahead.

Feature · Spring 2015 · 27

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28 · THEMIS · Feature

Annual celebration of rituals and values

By Ellen Crawford, Editor In March, Zetas around the world participated in National Ritual Celebration Week by taking time to reflect on the open values from The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha—loyalty, responsibility, service, leadership and commitment. It was the fifth annual implementation of the program, originally started by our Panhellenic sisters of Phi Mu. Using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as a platform to recognize and recommit to our values, ZTA members posted more than 700 times using #IAmTheCreed! Sisters shared stories about how they remain loyal to ZTA, what “My Sister, My Responsibility” means to them, how they serve their communities, which ZTA leaders they admire and how they continue to make ZTA part of their lives.

Our sisterhood flourished with each reflection of how we all embody our values.

submitted clips of sisters reciting The Creed. The video features a wide-range of members, from our National Council to collegians and alumnae from every corner of the country and around the world! Check out this awesome display of sisterhood on Facebook.

Just because NRCW is over, the celebration doesn’t have to end. Each day, we have an opportunity to show what ZTA is all about by living our values. NRCW gave us an opportunity to reflect on how we do that; now is the time to put it in action.

To kick off the week, sororities and fraternities celebrated National Panhellenic Conference’s International Badge Day. Zetas wore their badges over their hearts and shared pictures on social media, making sure everyone “within and without our circle” saw their ZTA pride. We also got a fun look at the badges of all 26 National Panhellenic Conference organizations with the graphic pictured to the right.

NRCW allowed Zetas a number of ways to reconnect to The Creed. The online quiz “Which line of The Creed is your personal mantra?” was completed more than 4,300 times!

This fun quiz asked questions about personality qualities and favorite activities to guess which line from The Creed each quiz-taker has really taken to heart. If you missed it, check out the “Everything you may have missed during NRCW” post at ztafeed.wordpress.com.

One of the coolest ways Zetas connected during NRCW was through a video for which almost 50 chapters

To celebrate Panhellenic sisterhood, we a took a look at all 26 member organization badges for NPC’s International Badge Day.

Recommend potential new members with updated form The Membership Information Sheet gives alumnae the opportunity to recommend outstanding women as potential new members to ZTA collegiate chapters. In February, National Council approved an updated version of the form. The MIS still includes space for general information about potential new members, such as education history and leadership and volunteer activities.

The new form now includes additional space for legacy affiliations

as well as detailed information about the potential new member that will help the collegians enhance her recruitment experience.

The form, which can be filled out electronically or printed and mailed to chapters, can be found at www.zetataualpha.org/MIS. Submission instructions and addresses for collegiate chapters are online as well. A copy of the new MIS will be printed in the summer issue of Themis, due out in mid-July.

Fraternity News · Spring 2015 · 29

NPC advances sorority through education

By Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma When ZTA made the decision to join the National Panhellenic Conference in 1909, Grand President Bruce Houston Davis (Alpha Chapter, Longwood University) realized “the advantages derived from membership are manifold.” Today, we know advancing the Panhellenic community also means advancing ZTA. As “the voice for sorority advancement,” NPC strives to educate our collegiate Panhellenic officers. NPC conducted a survey of many constituent groups when it created its 2013–2015 strategic plan.

“Out of those surveys came an overwhelming call for education and support,” explained NPC Executive Director Nicki Meneley. “We then did a series of focus groups with fraternity/sorority advisors and headquarters’ staff members. Again, overwhelmingly, they said, ‘We need education; we need it to come from NPC.’”

After identifying this need, NPC hired Jenny Greyerbiehl as Training and Curriculum Design Coordinator to focus full time on fulfilling educational needs.

“I used [the NPC assessment data and strategic plan] to create an educational plan,” Jenny said. “One of the components was identifying college Panhellenic-specific training. I ended up fleshing that out into the College Panhellenic Academy.”

NPC held its inaugural College Panhellenic Academy Jan. 23–24, 2015, in Indianapolis. The academy allowed attendees to refocus their commitment to NPC values so they could then shape stronger fraternity and sorority communities on their own campuses.

During breakout sessions, collegiate Panhellenic officers learned about things such as being brand ambassadors,

The leaders of the recruitment counselors at Texas Tech University, representing, from left to right, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Delta Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha, utilized NPC-provided training resources to improve the process for potential new members.

30 · THEMIS · NPC News

cultivating Panhellenic spirit, providing Panhellenic support to struggling chapters, understanding NPC resources and training recruitment counselors.

“We had never done an in-person academy like this before,” Jenny said. “We wanted [collegiate] Panhellenic presidents, recruitment officers and judicial officers to come at the beginning of their terms to get NPC knowledge as well as overarching leadership development.”

Through these types of educational initiatives, officers are able to confidently lead their communities.

“I left the Academy with a wealth of new knowledge,” said Tatiana Vizzare (Psi Chapter), Vice President of Recruitment Management for University of Washington’s Panhellenic Association. Through workshops, Tatiana received valuable training that she took back to her school. “I learned a lot about how to make [Formal] Recruitment an effective process on our campus, which will also benefit [ZTA],” she said.

This year, ZTA supported NPC’s educational goals by providing a financial gift to the College Panhellenic Academy Scholarship Fund in honor of late Executive Director Deb Ensor. This allowed Panhellenic officers from Baker University, University of Virginia, West Virginia University and Northern Michigan University to attend the academy.

Nicki Meneley sees the advancing power of gifts from individual groups. “We are really grateful for organizations like ZTA,” Nicki said. “[ZTA’s gift] allowed us to give scholarships [that enabled] women to come to the Academy, which certainly changed the course of their Panhellenic experience.”

Texas Tech University recruitment counselors participated in training activities to prepare for Formal Recruitment.

While we have long known the benefits of ZTA membership, NPC conducted assessments with experts in higher education to measure effects of sorority membership on student retention, graduation rates and post-graduate wellbeing. The results of these assessments show the impact involvement has on members both in college and beyond.

Sorority membership and educational outcomes: results from a national study NPC worked with Dr. J. Patrick Biddix, Associate Professor of Higher Education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to measure members’ retention from freshman to sophomore year and time to complete a degree, as well as membership’s effect on final collegiate GPA.

NPC has also been able to provide training to recruitment counselors who play a vital role in making Formal Recruitment a success. In 2013, NPC overhauled its Recruitment Counselor Guide—a project led by ZTA educational staff members—and developed an interactive training module with LaunchPoint Solutions. These resources have been a success with College Panhellenics.

Biddix found positive educational outcomes associated with joining an NPC sorority. Members were retained at a higher rate from freshman to sophomore year and graduated within four or six years at a higher rate than nonmembers.

Sorority membership did not affect final collegiate GPA.

“It was important to our recruitment team to have a training experience that focused on making the recruitment counselors feel confident and a valued part of our efforts,” said Harriette Baker (Gamma Tau Chapter, Texas Tech University), Panhellenic Advisor at Texas Tech University. “The ownership and pride they took in their work led to more focused and positive attitudes.”

In February 2014, NPC and the North-American Interfraternity Conference worked with Gallup, a globally renowned surveying firm, and Purdue University to index the long-term success and well-being of college graduates.

The research showed sorority and fraternity members are more likely than all other college graduates to thrive in each of the five elements of well-being (purpose, physical, social, financial and community).

Advancement of sorority through a stronger National Panhellenic Conference means each member organization benefits. With new programs aiding all Panhellenic women, the advantages Grand President Bruce Houston Davis spoke of become more evident, and ZTA grows stronger as a result.

Fraternities and sororities: understanding life outcomes

Additionally, the survey found fraternity and sorority members are more engaged in the workplace, strongly agree that their institutions prepared them for life after college and are more emotionally attached to their alma maters.

NPC News · Spring 2015 · 31

ZTA Foundation funds have major impact

By Ellen Crawford, Editor Zetas have a lot of passions. Every year, sisters donate and raise millions of dollars for the ZTA Foundation to support philanthropic efforts, scholarship awards and educational programs. Every donation to the Foundation supports the founding principles of the Fraternity. Funds support initiatives that make a difference in the lives of our members and the communities of which we are a part.

During the 2013–2014 fiscal year, 37 percent of program expenses went toward educational programming and the development of resources such as Behind Happy Faces, the first cutting-edge mental health program for collegiate women produced by a fraternal organization. Crowning Achievements, an academic achievement program that promotes student success and preparation for life after

college, was also developed this year. Both launched at the 2014 Convention, where leadership development resources were also funded by ZTAF. An investment in the Foundation is an investment in ZTA’s future leaders.

The philanthropic portion supports breast cancer education and awareness. This cause is a major passion of Zetas and something that can be seen in chapters across the country. Check out this breakdown for a more complete look at where your donations go.

Each section shows a category of expenses. Within each, one icon represents 10 percent of the total funds allocated for that category. Educational programming is broken down further on the far right.

OVERALL INCOME & EXPENSES REVIEW OF INCOME 2013–2014: $3,378,922

PHILANTHROPY EXPENSES 61%

15%

58% GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS

$1,960,175

THINK PINK

DESIGNATED SERVICE

28% PHILANTHROPY CONTRIBUTIONS

$959,099

22%

2%

13% SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

$422,450

SURVIVOR PROGRAM

OTHER PHILANTHROPY

1%

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS

SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSES

$37,198

REVIEW OF EXPENSES, 2013–2014: $3,378,922 32% PROGRAMS

$1,069,073

31%

$1,050,207

PHILANTHROPY

®

24%

26%

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIPS

20%

7%

24% SCHOLARSHIP

$815,878

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS

13%

$443,764

11%

12%

FOUNDERS GRANTS

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

ADMINISTRATIVE

Percentages rounded to the nearest whole percent.

32 · THEMIS · ZTA Foundation News

PROGRAM EXPENSES 2% AFA GRANT AdvanceU online learning for student life administrators.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Below is a breakdown of the 37 percent of the Program Expenses allocated to educational programming (see left column). One icon represents 10 percent of the total Educational Programming expenses used during the 2013–2014 fiscal year.

1%

1%

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS Grants for members to attend the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and the Interfraternity Institute.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EXPENSES IT support of educational programs, platforms, databases and email systems used by International Office to communicate information and resources to members.

37% EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING A variety of educational initiatives are funded by ZTAF. See the breakdown on right.

30% PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Includes the writing, design and implementation of educational curriculum that supports the academic and leadership development of our members.

2% HAZING PREVENTION Includes $10,000 award for Innovation in Campus Hazing Prevention; sponsorship of HazingPrevention.org; grants to attend Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention.

3% HOUSING SEMINAR Finance, nutrition and supervisory training for House Directors promotes positive environments for Zetas.

15% LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Educational speakers and workshops at Convention promote leadership development of collegiate members.

3% THEMIS Educational and service-related features in our magazine.

During this period, over 60 pages were funded by ZTAF.

9% EDUCATIONAL SERVICE EXPENSES Includes Alcohol Skills Training Program, GreekLifeEdu, risk-reduction poster campaign and scholarships to attend the Hart Institute for Social Planning.

18% E-LEARNING Z-Learning, our own online educational platform, was developed and launched during this fiscal year. The Foundation also supports the development of videos and other interactive tools used to enhance the e-learning experience of members.

40% MISCELLANEOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Programming designed to support and develop members such as Behind Happy Faces and Phired Up!

37%

2%

TRAVELING LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT VISITS Chapter visits include leadership training and lessons in management skills and organizational development.

EVENT PLANNING GUIDE Production of guide with national policies, procedures and prevention measures for safe event planning.

ZTA Foundation News · Spring 2015 · 33

Triplet houses hold cherished memories

By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi For almost 48 years, three nearly identical Zeta Tau Alpha houses have stood proudly in the heart of thriving fraternity and sorority communities on three flagship university campuses. The houses at Nu Chapter (The University of Alabama), Alpha Psi Chapter (University of Missouri) and Gamma Pi Chapter (The University of Georgia) share many qualities despite the different campuses they occupy.

Dedicated in 1962, 1963 and 1967, respectively, these “triplet houses” have always looked alike. The Nu Chapter house was designed first by a Birmingham, Alabama, architect. ZTA’s Director of Housing at the time then provided the plans to architects in Columbia, Missouri, and Athens, Georgia to replicate and retrofit for their lots.

Out of all the ZTA houses, these are the only three that were constructed using similar building plans.

All three houses feature a traditional exterior of red brick and white trim. The millwork around the front doors is similar and two have the same street number: 912 Magnolia Drive for Nu Chapter and 912 Richmond Avenue

34 · THEMIS · ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News

for Alpha Psi. All have long porches across the front, anchored by white pillars—six at Nu and Gamma Pi and five at Alpha Psi—and third-floor dormer windows—three at Nu and Gamma Pi and four at Alpha Psi. Only Alpha Psi has a lighted replica of the ZTA badge above the door.

Inside, the first floor features a foyer with center stairway and dining room straight ahead. The formal living room is to the right with an informal living room behind it. The House Director’s apartment, commercial kitchen, powder rooms and guest suite are all to the left.

Alumnae who lived in the houses when they first opened cherish their memories of formal dinners every night, made-to-order breakfasts, leftovers and ice cream sundaes on Sunday evenings, phone duty, singing, playing bridge, curfews, dress codes and bouffant hair styles.

Joan Parker Hull moved into the Nu Chapter house in 1962.

She remembers Parents’ Weekend, a Crimson Tide football game and the house dedication all fell on the same October weekend. “We all had our hair done at the beauty shop on

The triplet houses were modeled after plans by a Birmingham architect: Nu Chapter house at The University of Alabama (previous page), Alpha Psi Chapter house at the University of Missouri (above left), and Gamma Pi Chapter house at The University of Georgia (above right).

Friday,” Mrs. Hull said. “In those days, you wrapped toilet paper around your hair before you went to bed to keep it poufy. All 40 of us used every bit of toilet paper in the house Friday night, leaving nothing for the weekend. The house mother was not happy with us.”

Later as an alumna, Mrs. Hull became a Province President and longtime Treasurer of the Fraternity Housing Corporation. The dedication and loyalty of Marjorie Merritte Meredith and Catherine Allison Callahan, the alumnae who spearheaded the construction of the house, has stayed with her through all these years. “Even as Province President, I could never call them by their first names, I respected them so much,” she said. “After I graduated, I saw Mrs. Callahan at an ice cream store in Birmingham and she reminded me of the importance of getting involved and giving back to ZTA.” Susan Stewart Daniel had just pledged ZTA at Mizzou in 1963 when she learned the new Alpha Psi house had open spaces for freshmen. “I got on the phone to mother and daddy and begged them, ‘oh, please, oh please, let me live in the sorority house.’ I was in awe of how much fun it was to live with all those girls.” Susan later served as chapter Treasurer, an office that came with a single room. “I thought that would be so cool, but I was so lonely,” she recalled. “The quiet was good for paying bills, but otherwise, I had my door open. I just loved the camaraderie of living with all those girls.”

Susan Schell Tasse pledged Gamma Pi in 1966, when the chapter lived in an older, smaller house with sleeping porches filled with metal bunk beds. Moving into the new house in 1967 was a thrill. “We were so grateful and

blown away by it because it felt really roomy and we only had two or three girls to a room,” she said. “We all had bouffant hair back then, and I remember the shower heads were installed about the level of our necks so we wouldn’t get our hair wet. I still drive by the house whenever I am on campus and it always looks so beautiful.”

This summer, the oldest of the triplets, the Nu Chapter house, will meet the wrecking ball to make way for a larger, more competitive house.

Four years ago, four National Panhellenic Conference groups at The University of Alabama built newer and larger chapter houses. That prompted every group to examine its competitiveness and plan for the future. By fall 2016, 11 of the 14 NPC groups, including ZTA, will have new houses. Nu Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha House Corporation bought the lot next to its current house to make room for a 40,000-square-foot home.

Nu Chapter alumnae asked ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation President Julia Marthaler Hill to serve on the building design committee to lend FHC experience to the project. “We have a great working relationship with the local corporation,” Mrs. Hill said. “The FHC is so pleased to be a part of this new housing era for our Alabama sisters.”

Mrs. Hull will be sad to see the house she fondly remembers demolished, but understands the need. “We have to keep progressing. The university has grown tremendously,” she said. “The house has worn well and served its purpose. It has housed thousands of young women. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News · Spring 2015 · 35

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1. Dallas Area Night Alumnae bonded while painting the Dallas skyline in a group class.

2. Collegiate chapter reunions keep the sisterhood alive long after graduation. Alumnae from Alpha Psi Chapter at University of Missouri reconnected at a lake house in Lake of the Ozarks.

3. Members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University captured Zeta Love with a fun photo shoot around campus.

4. Members of Delta Omicron Chapter at LenoirRhyne University volunteered to clean out a lot where a soup kitchen will build its new facility.

5. For a unique sisterhood activity, members of Beta Omicron Chapter at University of South Carolina enjoyed a visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop where they made their own furry friends.

8. Delta Psi Chapter from Samford University celebrated sisterhood on the ice. Sisters enjoyed taking a break from their busy schedules to spend time skating together.

6. Our new sisters at Kennesaw State University participated in their first Formal Recruitment!

Lambda Lambda Chapter welcomed new members on Bid Day with a Little Mermaid theme.

9. Women from the Toronto, Canada Chapter proudly wore their Think Pink® ribbons to spread breast cancer education and awareness on an international level!

7. To celebrate the holidays, the women of Twin Cities, MN Chapter swapped their favorite sugary treats in a cookie exchange. Each member went home with an assortment of baked goods.

10. Zetas from the Daytona Beach, FL Chapter celebrated family with a lovely Mother-Daughter Holiday Tea at the chapter President’s home.

Points of Pride · Spring 2015 · 37

Founders envisioned bright future

By Patricia Cords Levitte, Beta Phi, Director of Archives & Historical Education and Susan Beard, Delta Psi, Archives Chair Have you ever thought of what it would be like to travel through time to give advice to your future self? The Founders of Zeta Tau Alpha thought quite seriously about the future and about what impact their organization would have. The 20th century was less than two years away when ZTA was founded and the American public was consumed with thoughts of what the future might hold. The women at the State Female Normal School in Farmville were no different. Yearbooks from the last few years of the 19th century at Longwood hold pages of future predictions and ruminations about what might come to pass.

Everyone wanted to leave their mark in some way that would have a lasting impact. At this particular time, at this particular school, the stars aligned and the “Farmville Four” emerged. Zeta Tau Alpha, Kappa Delta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha were all founded within a five year period at the turn of the 20th century. The founders of the various groups knew each other, and some were even distantly related. They were all looking to form bonds with other women in some way that would last beyond the boundaries of their college.

ZTA’s Founders were all from families that had been greatly affected by the Civil War. They were rebuilding their lives in the “New South,” and the younger generations were open to modern ideas. The Founders

had a strong sense of Southern identity, but they wanted to build a sisterhood that would go beyond the boundaries of their region and encompass the entire country. If they had met at Longwood at a different time, without such a sense of optimism for the future, the results may have been entirely different.

Writing prophecies for the college yearbook was common.

The 1899 class prophecy pages in The Normal Light gave general, often silly predictions for the school’s students.

Close friends of the Founders made specific speculations for ZTA. Giles Mebane Smith, brother of Frances Yancey Smith, offered his guesses for Alpha Chapter members in June 1900. Written in a style that would have been highly entertaining to the Founders, Giles gave each member of Alpha Chapter an individual “forecast” for the coming years. For Helen Crafford he said, “…and the King issued an order that there should be sought out among his wise men one skilled in mathematics to stand before him. In all the land, there was none like unto Helen.” This proved to be very accurate, as Helen was an excellent math and science teacher her entire life.

For his sister, Giles predicted she would be “voted to be very good by her fellow students… Fanny Smith still exerts a benign influence on all.” For future ZTA President Bruce Houston Davis, Giles had a premonition that “the blond beauty is on the warpath again this season, trouble ahead for somebody…the result of former exploits of this modern Diana whose quiver was stocked by Cupid only.”

His fortune-telling was very wrong in this case. Will Davis, the man that he said would have “impaled himself on a large cactus” after being jilted by her, married her and became instrumental in ZTA’s early growth.

Maud Jones Horner had greater aspirations than just predicting individual futures. She spent a great deal of time considering the implications of creating a sorority.

In a June 1901 reunion speech, she envisioned the future of ZTA, stating that, from the start, they were “girls who were trying with all their might and main to establish a strong and loyal sisterhood that was destined to make its impression on the millions who are to follow its loyal teachings and principles.” In another speech given at that same reunion, Maud was obviously still pondering the direction of ZTA’s future. She said:

Items from the Fraternity’s archives show the Founders’ interest in the future. Here, prophecies that appeared in yearbooks predicted where each Founder would end up.

38 · THEMIS · Archives

“But let us suppose for an instant that we prove unsuccessful in this one respect and that Zeta Tau Alpha remains always

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

HOW TO MAKE AN ADDRESS CHANGE 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.

The entire student body gathered on a lawn at the State Female Normal School in 1898. All nine Founders can be seen sitting on the ground together up front.

a local organization—should we then say that our sorority has been a failure? No, a thousand times, no! My sisters, how could Zeta Tau Alpha be a failure when it has bound together with the strongest ties of friendship and love the hearts and lives of twenty five girls? And how sweet it is to remember that these cords will not be broken…let us hope that they may ever grow stronger and stronger until we unite once more around the throne of our Great Task Master.”

Giles’ prediction for Maud was unlike the others—it was wistful, almost a eulogy: “After an affectionate greeting [the ladies] began to talk about old times. The train sped on and seemed to set the pace of the conversation, as incident after incident, name after name was recalled, ‘And what became of Maud Jones?’

Both young ladies began to praise [her] in most unstinted terms—‘Everybody loved her.’ She was pretty, too, and a good girl.”

This prophecy would sadly turn out to be the way she was remembered. Maud never got to see the growth of the Fraternity that she loved so much. She was the first of the Founders to pass away at the age of 41 in 1920, from the after-effects of the Spanish influenza that devastated the country from 1918 to 1920.

Even later in life, the Founders’ interest in the future was still evident.

In a letter from October 1973 to the Fraternity membership, Ruby Leigh Orgain noted that, “during the 50th Anniversary Convention at Virginia Beach, the seven living Founders often wondered who would be present at the 75th event.”

Curiosity about the future, and a sense of great things ahead influenced many of our Founders’ decisions. They were making a sisterhood not just for themselves, but for future generations of women. If they were able to travel through time to 2015, they’d surely be pleased with what their organization has become.

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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.

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