Theta Phi Alpha's The Compass

OF

Theta Phi Alpha is a national women’s fraternity, founded in 1912 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and reveres as its Founders: Amelia McSweeney, Mildred Connely, May C. Ryan, Selma Gilday, Camilla Ryan Sutherland, Helen Ryan Quinlan, Katrina Caughey Ward, Dorothy Caughey Phalan, Otilia Leuchtweis O’Hara, and Eva Stroh Bauer Everson.

The Grand Council of Theta Phi Alpha 2022-2024

• Kristin Windeshausen Henkenius, AP –National President

• Jessica Holthaus Ballman, E – National Vice President-Collegians

• Ainsley Robson, AT – National Vice President-Alumnae

• Kristin Mauer Rodriguez, BA – National Vice President-Extension

• Candice Redmond Bender, BL – National Vice President-Programming

• Lisa Mottern Grace, BR – National Executive Secretary

• Katie Evans, AN – National Treasurer

Submission Deadlines for The Compass

Fall - June 15 // Spring - December 15

Compass Reports for chapters and emerging chapters are due via the Officer Portal on June 15 and December 15. All other submissions to The Compass, such as Between Sisters and feature article ideas, are accepted at any time of year by emailing thecompass@thetaphialpha.org.

The Compass is dedicated to publishing educational material pertinent to the membership of Theta Phi Alpha in collegiate chapters, alumnae associations, and to individual members.

Send address changes, vital statistics, in memoriam, and Fraternity business correspondence to the National Office.

Theta Phi Alpha National Office 27025 Knickerbocker Road Bay Village, Ohio 44140-2300 (440) 899-9282

ThetaPhiNO@thetaphialpha.org

Letter from the Editor

The spring before a National Convention always makes me excited. It’s only a few more months...weeks...days until I am reunited with some of my favorite people.

With some teasers for Convention and explanations of Convention changes, it’s a great time to catch up on Fraternity business and see what’s new (and upcoming) in Theta Phi Alpha.

It’s also a good time to reflect on more spring awakenings and happenings – the death of our last Alpha Chapter member, more legacy initiate stories, and more alumnae gathering together to further our alumnae groups. The more we can share about our members, the more we can connect with each other.

Hoping to connect with more of you in Baltimore so soon! Can’t wait to report back with all the big happenings from Convention!

Happy reading!

Lauren Svec Gallo Editor-in-Chief

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/ThetaPhiAlphaFraternity @ThetaPhiAlpha_National @thetaphi_alpha

QFA News

Legacy Initiate — Ann Gauger, Chicago Area

Founders’ Day Proclamation

2024 National Convention News

QFA History

Compass Points Award Winners

Gamma Omega Raises Over $52,000 for Vera Bradley Foundation

STEM Feature: Karen Mills, Alpha Nu

Congratulations to our Sapphire and Diamond Circle Inductees!

2024 Siena Medalist Announced

Our National President Travels the USA!

Thank you, Volunteers!

Senior Editorial Team

Lauren Svec Gallo, BB, Editor-in-Chief

Lisa Mottern Grace, BR, National Executive Secretary

Jennifer King, Director of Communications

Karen Jenkins Rubican, AΣ

Writing and Editing Team

Kathryn Owsianiecki Hartmann, GI, Executive Director

Contributors

Calley Ruff, GW

Ann Gauger, Chicago Area

Design

Meredith Federle

MESSAGE FROM our PRESIDENT

The Grand Council recently met with representatives from our committees to receive an update on the work being completed. When we met with the Collegiate Advisory Committee, I was asked to reshare the information from my September 2023 National President’s Blog about who we are as Theta Phi Alphas. The blog is below. It seems appropriate to share these words as we celebrate Founders’ Day. If you would like to read my other blogs, you can find them here.

September 2023 National President’s Blog

Theta Phi Alpha, QFA.…this is who we are. Our Founders chose our name for us in 1912. This is the name on our articles of incorporation and in our governing documents. As an organization, we protect our name, logo, and identity through trademarks. I am proud to be a Theta Phi Alpha…I wouldn’t want to be anything else! I know our members feel the same. I sometimes cringe a little as I scroll through Facebook and Instagram and see pictures of recruitment and other events. I see images with “TPA” on banners, balloons, and wooden letters. Sometimes, I see us referred to as Thetas. I want to explain why this makes me cringe!

Theta Phi Alpha comes from the Greek alphabet. Our letters from that alphabet are Theta (Q), Phi (F), and Alpha ( A).

When you shorten Theta Phi Alpha to TPA, what you are calling us in Greek alphabet letters is Tau ( T), Rho ( R), and Alpha ( A). I realize it is easy to say TPA, find letter balloons for TPA, and even make wooden letters that say TPA, but is that who we are? No! We are Theta Phi Alpha! Use the Special Characters in Google Docs, the Greek keyboard on your phone for our Greek letters, or the Symbol font. Please do not use TPA.

We are Theta Phi Alphas or Theta Phis. Kappa Alpha Theta, one of the 26 organizations that belongs to the National Panhellenic Council (NPC) with us, are known as Thetas. If you are on a campus where Kappa Alpha Theta is not, we are still Theta Phis. If we use Theta Phi Alphas or Theta Phis and educate those who call us Theta, we can be sure that we will be called by the correct name.

Please do your part to honor the name chosen by our Founders, the name on your Initiation certificate, and the name we continue to protect through trademarks today. We are Theta Phi Alpha, Theta Phi, QFA! Do you have a picture showing you are a Theta Phi Alpha? If yes, submit it here.

Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius, National President

THETA PHI ALPHA WELCOMES

DELAWARE AREA ALUMNAE CLUB

Congratulations to the Delaware Area Alumnae Club! A request for a club from local alumnae was approved by the Grand Council and the club is already off to a great start! They recently celebrated Founders’ Day with Ainsley Robson, AT, National Vice President-Alumnae.

The club covers all zip codes in Delaware (all 197, 198, and 199 zip codes). If you live in Delaware or in the surrounding area and would like to learn how you can get involved with this new group, email alumnaeservices@thetaphialpha.org, or reach out to Jeanette Irgang, H, at jeanfzt1949@yahoo.com.

Theta Phi Alpha Mourns Alpha Member

Theta Phi Alpha mourns the loss of the Fraternity’s last living Alpha Chapter member, Geraldine Cady O’Laughlin, who died on March 19, 2024. She was 103 years old. Geraldine pledged the Alpha Chapter in 1940 and graduated from the University in Michigan in 1941.

Geraldine lived in the Chicago area and received a letter stating that Theta Phi Alpha would be holding the 2008 National Convention in Lincolnshire. She decided to pay a visit and arrived at Convention during a business session. Those in attendance can remember the anticipation and excitement to hear that an Alpha Chapter member had surprised us.

Geraldine also came to the 2012 Centennial Celebration in Michigan, driving herself from Chicago in her Ford pickup truck. She was very excited to find out that a Theta Phi was one of the engineers who worked on the adjustable foot pedals at Ford. Pat Seashore, AN, was that engineer!

Geraldine kept in touch over the years with a few sisters by writing to them, including Angie Zabala Palmer, BE, with whom she forged a special bond.

“I happened to be in the hallway when Geraldine walked into the Chicago Convention and I am so thankful I walked up to her. Not only was I able to show her around and introduce her to other sisters, but I got to see her excitement and surprise in realizing our success and how far and wide Theta Phi Alpha has stretched throughout the country. Getting to know her and becoming pen pals has been such a fulfilling experience. I will cherish her stories and handwritten letters always.” - Angie

Angie Zabala Palmer, BE, with Geraldine at the Centennial Celebration in 2012.

LEGACY INITIATE –ANN GAUGER

Ann Gauger is the first alumna initiate in the Chicago Area Alumnae Association. Ann is the daughter of Kristine Koziarz Gauger, AG , so Ann is a legacy!

I graduated from Illinois State University in 2020 with a B.S. in mathematics and an endorsement in education. I currently work as a math teacher at Zion-Benton East High School in Zion, Ill.

Growing up, I attended Chicago Area’s annual Stocking Stuffer each year. It was one of my favorite things to do with my mom when I was a kid. I always looked forward to doing it at Christmas time. As I got a bit older, Kathy [Sullivan, AG] would have me teach the newcomers the proper methods for stuffing stockings since I had so many years of experience, joining the event year after year. In college, I even made a road trip back home for a day just so I could attend –luckily I had no classes that day!

Although I loved ISU, my least favorite thing was that there was no chapter of Theta Phi Alpha there. If I was going to get involved in Greek life, that was the only sorority I would want to get involved with. I didn't know it was possible to be an alumna initiate, but I think I mentioned it one year at Stocking Stuffer and Kathy told me I could join when I graduate. From that point on, I was set on joining Theta Phi Alpha. The process of joining the CAAA was pretty easy, even with Covid-19 rearranging a lot of plans. Going through Initiation with my mom was a surreal experience, although it really felt like it was a long time coming!

Ann Gauger has been attending Chicago Area events since before she was born. Her mom, Kris had been chapter president of Alpha Gamma Chapter and a longtime alumnae association officer. Our Stocking Stuffer was one of Ann’s favorite annual traditions, attending with her mom and sometimes her brother, too. Ann even recruited friends to join us, in a year we really needed the helping hands. When she went off to college, we realized we might lose her to another organization. Loyalty runs deep with Ann, and we anxiously awaited her graduation when we could recruit her as an alumna member. She said yes instantly when we asked her. We were thrilled to initiate Ann, as a lifelong member of Theta Phi Alpha. – KATHY SULLIVAN, AG

(Clockwise from top) Ann and Kris at her Initiation, after receiving her first set of letters! Ann and Liz Eberhart, AG , in 2018 at the Stocking Stuffer. Ann's mother’s, Kristine Koziarz Gauger, badge.

One of my favorite moments was when my mom passed down her Theta Phi Alpha badge to me and wrote a card with some old pictures of me at Stocking Stuffer (I was three years old at the time). It was incredible to join this sisterhood that I had been involved with my whole life. My mom also gifted me my first set of letters, which makes me so proud to be able to share this with her.

It's been really nice to do things as sisters with my mom; I feel like we got a lot closer through this experience. Stocking Stuffer is the event that started it all so I look forward most to going to future Stocking Stuffers, this time officially as a member.

FOUNDERS’ DAY PROCLAMATION

APRIL 30, 2024

Happy Founders’ Day!

What would our Founders think of us today? This is something I think about often as National President. It is also a question our members ask me from time to time. When I think about what this question means, I take it as, Is this the Theta Phi Alpha of today what our Founders envisioned in 1912? My answer is always yes, based on what I know about our Founders and why they formed our beloved Theta Phi Alpha.

Theta Phi Alpha was formed in 1912 to provide a home for Catholic women at the University of Michigan, where no home was provided. A home of belonging where members shared religious beliefs was valued – a home where alumnae were invested in and provided guidance and support to the collegian members. Our Founders carefully chose words that have guided Theta Phi Alpha throughout our 112 years as an organization: Justice, Friendship, and Truth. Our mission statement. Our motto. Our Creed. Would you agree that these words, thoughtfully chosen by our Founders, still hold true today?

Some will argue that we have not held true to the organization and why we were founded. I disagree. Theta Phi Alpha’s journey is an accumulation of our past, a past that we sometimes struggle to explain to nonmembers –a past where membership was formed for religious purposes. A past where we were excluded and, in turn, excluded others. A past where chapters chose to close instead of following the Fraternity’s policy of disallowing membership to non-Catholics. It was a past where, as

early as 1930, reorganization, merger, and dissolution of Theta Phi Alpha was discussed. However, as we move forward, we have created intentional changes by accessing all our past brings, learning from the adverse outcomes, highlighting the positive ones, and correcting what we can control. Theta Phi Alpha has evolved throughout our history to be a relevant organization that meets the needs of our members. Think about these evolutions:

1912 – Founded as a local organization for Catholic women at the University of Michigan

1919 – Expansion to include Catholic women at non-Catholic institutions

1939 – Expansion to include Catholic women at Catholic institutions

1951 – Admittance into the National Panhellenic Conference

1952 – Merged with Pi Lambda Sigma, another national sorority for Catholic women

1956 – Opened membership to nonCatholics at Catholic institutions

1968 – Opened membership to women of all faiths on all campuses

2017, 2023 – Expanded Membership and Non-Discrimination Policy

Each time we have evolved, we have become a more inclusive organization where more members can belong and call Theta Phi Alpha home. Imagine if our Founders hadn’t had Theta Phi Alpha as a home, a place to belong at the University of Michigan. Imagine who would not be your sister today if Theta Phi Alpha had not evolved over the course of our history to remain relevant.

Theta Phi Alpha has done what was needed to survive and thrive, admittedly frustratingly slower than seems practical in today’s light. However, no matter how slow or fast we may go as an organization, we must continue to ask ourselves, How do we honor Justice, Friendship, and Truth?, and understand that as time goes on, Theta Phi Alpha must continue to evolve and adapt if we want to be relevant and sustainable.

The Theta Phi Alpha of today does not look the same as the Theta Phi Alpha of 1912 or 1968. The Theta Phi Alpha of today will not look the same as the Theta Phi Alpha of 2037 when we celebrate 125 years as an organization. Your Theta Phi Alpha experience is not the same as those who came before or who will come after you, and that is okay.

What will remain an enduring fixture of Theta Phi Alpha is that we will be a home for our members. We will provide belonging and affirm your intrinsic value as a member of our beloved Fraternity. We will continue to deliver an experience that leads to connections with those sharing that experience then, which is connected to all Theta Phi Alphas through our Ritual. We will continue to provide an experience based on our mission and Justice, Friendship, and Truth. We will do all we can to be what our tagline chosen in 2003 says – Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting

Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius, Alpha Pi National President

Board of Trustees Announces Candidates for 2024 National Convention

The following candidates have expressed their willingness to serve the Fraternity and have met all eligibility requirements specified in the National Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Phi Alpha.

(Please note that all eligible candidates for each position are included on the ballot at the time of this publication.)

* OFFICIAL CANDIDATE BALLOT *

Position

National President

National Vice President-Collegians

National Vice President- Alumnae

To learn more about the 2024 Candidates and to read their personal statements, please visit the Meet the Candidates page linked here. We also encourage you to inform eligible alumnae about the elected positions. The Consent to Serve form remains available online here and forms may continue to be submitted. Nominations for elected positions may be made during National Convention business as well.

National Vice President- Extension

National Vice President- Programming

National Executive Secretary

National Treasurer

Board of Trustees (three positions)

Candidate(s)

n Kristin Windeshausen Henkenius, Alpha Pi

n Liz D’Orsa Tray, Alpha Epsilon

n Dr. Angela Pedi Seegel, Alpha Epsilon

n J. Neve Leem, Alpha Tau

n Dr. Angela Pedi Seegel, Alpha Epsilon

n Ainsley Robson, Alpha Tau

n Kristin Mauer Rodriguez, Beta Alpha

n Candice Redmond Bender, Beta Lambda

n Lisa Mottern Grace, Beta Rho

n Katie Evans, Alpha Nu

n Dionne Myers Tuplin, Alpha Epsilon

n Patricia Wright Seashore, Alpha Nu

n Haylie Kasap, Alpha Tau

n Lauren Svec Gallo, Beta Beta

* = Pictured already n = Not Pictured

QFA ANNOUNCES CHANGES FOR 2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION

National Convention is the most expensive event the Fraternity holds. Theta Phi Alpha National Conventions are held biennially to conduct necessary activities in accordance with Ritual, receive reports of the delegates and officers, elect officers, and transact necessary business. Feedback from our members who have attended and would like to attend our Convention resulted in examining all aspects of the Convention. This includes how to save costs for our members and the Fraternity that allows us to fulfill the purpose of Convention, and to create an experience of sisterhood and celebration that our members will want to be a part of.

This biennium, we went through a Convention improvement process where we gathered information to help define and visualize the pain points and bright spots from a variety of stakeholders that included representation of staff, the Grand Council, Past National Presidents, Board of Trustees, Theta Phi Alpha Foundation, Ritual, DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, access) Committee, alumnae, and collegians. The information gathering was followed by a Convention workshop with an extended workshop team who analyzed our current state of Convention, identified pain points and bright spots, developed an ideal future state of Convention, and prioritized and developed countermeasures that can be addressed for Convention 2024 – to implement positive, incremental change.

As a result of this process, the Grand Council established the Convention Standing Committee. This committee will ensure that the work toward the ideal Convention state continues year after year. Members of the committee are based on elected, volunteer, or staff roles in Theta Phi Alpha and how the position is connected to Convention. The committee is now meeting monthly and more fre-

This biennium, we went through a Convention improvement process... as a result of this process, the Grand Council established the Convention Standing Committee. This committee will ensure that the work toward the ideal convention state continues year after year. Members of the committee are based on elected, volunteer, or

SUMMARY OF CONVENTION CHANGES

1. COMMUNICATION

Improve communications to membership regarding Convention.

Staff will coordinate and standardize memos, graphics, and documents related to Convention so that the voice, look, and infomation are consistent to membership.

· Announce the next Convention location early to let members know the future location In advance and plan accordingly instead of waiting until the end of the current Convention year.

2. EXPERIENCE

Improve experiences throughout Convention to streamline activities and provide engaging experiences.

Make registration and arrival more fun and engaging! A lot of ideas were piloted at Officer Leadership Training with positive feedback. National Service Jewelry will also be distributed during registration for eligible National Officers in attendance.

Added an optional local educational opportunity for members to attend based on positive feedback regarding the optional educational opportunity at the Civil Rights Museum during the 2022 Convention.

· Replaced the Memorial Service event with a moment of silence during the Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting dinner, while also displaying the known names of members who have passed throughout Convention.

Combined the Compass Club luncheon with the Alumnae Reception.

Added a Collegian Reception to occur during the same time as the Alumnae Reception.

Combined the Siena Medal with the Foundation event to be a single luncheon.

Retired the Convention Choir.

In lieu of bringing all archives in a separate room, a curated subset of artifacts specific to the hotel/theme of the Convention and other relevant milestones will be available in the Foundation Room.

3. AWARDS

Reimagine Awards/Scholarships (what and how presented) to keep meals and other events engaging.

The highest awards will continue to be revealed and awarded during Convention and distributed amongst meals. These top awards are: Non-member: Siena Medal; Chapter Awards: Otilia Leuchtweis O’Hara Chapter Improvement Award, Circle of Excellence, Jean Yosepian Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Award; Chapter and/or Alumnae Association Awards: Inclusive Excellence; Alumnae Association Awards: Lois Barry Lynch Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Award, Centennial Award; Individual Awards: National Officer Award, Guard of Honor.

· Scholarships and other awards will be awarded before Convention to improve attendees’ experience by reducing sitting/waiting time; these willl still be acknowledged at Convention and winners will still have the opportunity to take a photo with the Foundation if they would like.

4. FRATERNITY NIGHT

Streamline the Fraternity Night Banquet to fit our growing size, increase socialization opportunities, and make it a true celebration.

· Propose and implement updates to more efficiently conduct the Guard of Honor Ritual. Note: this is related to the motion submitted for action without a meeting.

Reduce/modify activities that increase wait time or have not scaled well with our growing size, such as:

• Eliminating the procession of elected officers.

• Improve Roll Call efficiency by adding more bowls around the room.

• Update the Convention Countdown activity. Increase socialization and create celebratory moments, such as:

• Build in network and social opportunities throughout the event.

• Add a cash bar before the start of the event during a social hour.

• Add a celebration/party after the formal activities are complete.

5. BUSINESS AND ELECTIONS

Make Business and Elections more efficient.

· Propose and implement updates to the Rituals leading up to the business session to make the Ritual (and, subsequently, Ritual rehearsal) more efficient. Note: this is related to motions submitted for action without a meeting.

· Make business sessions more efficient by leveraging Robert’s Rules of Order best practices and technology where possible. Business Session agenda changes include:

• Adding a “Meet the Staff” announcement to provide info on who to talk to for questions throughout Convention.

• Eliminating: Reading all greetings from other organizations; Daily Invocations; Extraneous motions such as to allow non-members to attend (which is already covered in the NC&B); Introduction of Officers, Foundation, National Housing Corp, Staff; and Roll Call at every session.

• Reordering Elections to occur immediately after nominations.

• Convention Committee will be tasked with developing Courtesy Resolutions, most will be created ahead of time.

· Due to 2022 changes in the National Constitution & Bylaws, non-members (such as staff and other persons as approved by the Grand Council) have the privilege to attend Convention but shall not take part in debate or make motions, which allows for National Office staff,

hotel staff, and other professionals to provide support during the event (e.g. technology and other logistic needs). Non-members in attendance will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to being permitted to enter business sessions.

6. COORDINATION OF CONVENTION

Streamline the coordination of Convention with representatives from key stakeholders (Grand Council, Board of Trustees, Foundation, Staff, Parliamentarian, Ritual ... ), allowing easier communication and planning, continued alignment, and freeing up resources to ensure a successful and smooth event is executed.

· Held the workshop to analyze and prioritize ideas to improve Convention.

· Established a standing Convention Committee meeting to coordinate across key stakeholders, maintain alignment, and implement improvements regarding activities, events, schedules, scripts, and more.

· Coordinate a single location for all Convention-related artifacts (e.g., agreements, scripts, external communication) for all stakeholders to access as needed.

· Develop and execute a communication plan to build transparency around changes being implemented for Convention.

If you want to learn more about our 54 th National Convention in Baltimore, Md., from July 10 th to 14 th , 2024, please visit the Convention and events page, more specifically National Convention 2024 .

From this page, you can view the schedule, read the proposed business motions, read about the 2024 candidates for the Grand Council and Board of Trustees, and find other information about Convention.

With the 54 th National Convention just around the corner, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. I hope to see you there, ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Theta Phi Alpha and the enriching experiences that await us in July!

A moment in Theta Phi Alpha history. . .

Check out these photos from the Zeta Chapter in 1921 and 1926. The chapter house was originally called the “Theta Phi Alpha Convent” in 1921.

More history tidbits to come in future issues of The Compass!

Congratulations Congratulations to our Compass Points Winners

North

Check out what the nominators had to say about our award winners!

NORTH (FOR NATIONAL SERVICE)

Lauren Svec Gallo, BB, always goes above and beyond in any position she has served in, especially with The Compass. She has such a passion for being the Editor.

West

Angela Pedi Seegel, ΑE

EAST (FOR EMERGING YOUNG ALUMNA)

Dionne Myers Tuplin, ΑE

Mary Lou Swartz, Σ

Ari Severance, DH, has been increasing her national service by serving on the Ritual Committee and as Alumnae Association Communications Manager.

Kathleen Sullivan, ΑΓ

SOUTH (FOR SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OUTSIDE THETA PHI ALPHA)

Gitanjli Singh McRoy, AN, was honored with a special Career Achievement Peer Award at the 2023 Women of Color STEM Digital Twin Experience (DTX) Conference. Gitanjli was nominated by her team at Ford, where she serves as the Chief Engineer of the EV Energy Management Systems.

WEST (FOR

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM)

Kristin Heinkel, BΝ Lea Saunders, ΓΑ

Ayli Carrero Pinedo, ΑΠ

Mimi Stephens LeClair, ΑΓ

Christine Rhein, ΑΝ

Dionne Myers Tuplin, AE, cowrote Business Tips from the Trenches: Expert Advice to Start Your Small Business or Side Hustle. Dionne is the founder and owner of MOM Biz Empire, where she assists and encourages everyday moms to find balance.

Jennifer Freer, K, has been a Release Figure Methodology (RFM) Specialist for NPC for almost 15 years. She is a wealth of knowledge for Theta Phi Alpha and NPC in the world of RFM and has been a great representative of the Fraternity in the same.

South East

Congratulations on your well-deserved awards!

North • National Service

To nominate a deserving alumna, please visit the Compass Points Awards Information and Nomination Form.

South • Special Achievement East • Emerging Young Alumna

West

• Wealth of knowledge and wisdom

By Calley Ruff,

Gamma Omega Raises Over $52,000

for

Vera Bradley Foundation

Gamma Omega

This year marks 24 years of our chapter’s (Gamma Omega at Trine University) Big Man on Campus (BMOC) event. BMOC was started back in 2000, so it’s come a long way! Last year, we raised over $25,000. This year we more than doubled our fundraising efforts by raising over $52,000 for the Vera Bradley Foundation!

Many years ago, our chapter chose to fundraise for the Vera Bradley Foundation, because this foundation is known nationally, but it’s also local to our school. Our chapter also loved that all of the money donated goes directly towards breast cancer research. Breast cancer affects many people worldwide and it is an important topic that hits home for many sisters.

Raising such a large amount of money is very fulfilling, but a tough thing to do. Our chapter has a BMOC Chair. This is the biggest event of the whole year; the entire chapter participates and works towards the event. It takes a team, a sisterhood of strong, amazing women, to help get the job done and to raise such a large sum of money. One of the main reasons that our donations were more than doubled this year was our fantastic contestants. The contestants have coaches (a sister or two from the chapter), who help them throughout the couple of months leading up to BMOC. This year our BMOC Chair, Kennedy Outwater, GW, did such an amazing job with the entire event. She pushed the contestants to reach out to community, family, and Trine alumni for donations to help this great cause. This wider donation base was the driving force behind our more-thandouble fundraising success. Our contestants were truly fantastic this year and stepped up their fundraising game.

To raise such a large amount of money, our chapter fundraised and promoted this event starting at the very beginning of the year. We have learned what works for our chapter to have a successful event:

• We sell t-shirts every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These have a new design every year.

• We sell ribbons, stickers, and bracelets for $1 each while we table in our University Center, in addition to the t-shirts. Selling items for $1 might not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly.

Kennedy Outwater, BMOC Chair, and Tina Conrad. Tina was the guest speaker for last year. She is a 10-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of DJ Breast Cancer, a podcast to inspire hope. She is also a representative from Vera Bradley.

Celebrate Theta Phi membership with the NEW officially licensed Theta Phi Alpha jewelry collection designed by women-owned, NYC-based, Kyle Cavan Jewelry.

Find the perfect gift for initiation, graduation, and more. Shop the collection now here.

• We also sell long sleeves (our BMOC shirts) the week of BMOC. These also have a new design every year and go with the theme for BMOC. This past year, if businesses donated a certain amount, their logo was displayed on the sleeve of the shirt. This is a big fundraising push and a nice incentive.

• Our contestants (along with their coaches) craft penny war jugs. These jugs are out whenever we are selling items. Each contestant and their organization help bring in a lot of support this way.

• Theta Pied was a new event that our BMOC Chair started this year to further our fundraising efforts. People could pay $1 to pie any of our contestants. We made this into a competition for our contestants; their organizations loved getting to pie their representatives. Students and faculty passing through also had a great time with this which helped this event out even more.

• There is a silent auction at the BMOC event, with donations from the community.

• Contestants solicit the audience for donations before the event closes. This is a great way to reign in some last-minute donations and furthers the competitions between the contestants.

• Each contestant has a donation page for online donations, setting a personal goal for themselves. The chapter also has an overall fundraising goal for the entire event.

Kennedy shared her advice for running an event this large with such ambitious fundraising efforts: Put yourself out there and ask anyone. The worst someone could say is no. People may say yes and you might not have thought they would have in the first place. Getting sisters committed and working together is so important, since it takes a team to have a successful fundraiser. It doesn't matter how much you raise, since it all goes to a good cause!

Kennedy Outwater, BMOC Chair, with the contestants and the big check!

Twirlista offers group dress rentals for all events!

For Theta Phi Alpha members, Twirlista

offers:

-5% discount on dress rentals (regular prices are between $15.99 and $19.99 per rental): Save on stunning outfits for formal events, recruitment, and beyond.

-Dress Chair opportunities: Host trunk shows for your sisters; get your dress rental for free and add to your resume

-Exclusive dress collections: Curate trendy dresses for sorority events, saving you both time and money.

Sisters in STEM: Karen Mills, Alpha Nu

In continuing with highlighting our members who work in STEM (and expanding to STEAM soon!) fields, we are excited to highlight Karen Mills, AN, who served Ford Motor Company in many roles, most recently as a Plant Manager.

Chapter/School: Alpha Nu, General Motors Institute*

The real question – A section or B section?: That is the real question. I was in the BEST section – B section. (For those who may not know, Alpha Nu Chapter had two sections – A section and B section. One section would be in school while the other section was on co-op at the same time. The chapter operated in these two sections, switching off chapter operations.)

Graduation Year: 1989

Major?: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Current employer and position?: Recently retired, as of December 2023!

Former employers/positions?: Ford Motor Company, most recently as Plant Manager at the Rawsonville Components

"It was great to have Karen back in Michigan and to work with her for the first time. When your sorority sister is the Plant Manager (at the plant where you work), she has no problem calling you, at any time, on any phone." – TRACEY LIPHARDT, AN

Plant in Ypsilanti, Mich. Former positions include Assistant Plant Manager (Kentucky Truck Plant), Quality Manager (Ohio Assembly Plant), Final Area Manager (Ohio Assembly Plant), Body Area Manger (Ohio Assembly Plant), Press Area Manager (Woodhaven Stamping Plant), Assembly Area Manager (Woodhaven Stamping Plant), Lean Manufacturing Manager (Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant), Paint Area Manger (Wixom Assembly Plant), Body Area Manager (Wixom Assembly Plant), Productivity Optimization Manager, Body Area Manager (Twin Cities Assembly Plant), and other leadership positions in Saline, Milan, and Dearborn, Mich., facilities.

How did you get into your most recent position?: I rotated through many positions in multiple facilities. My previous position as Assistant Plant Manager in Kentucky paved the way to getting the opportunity to have my own plant.

Is the career/position you have now where you wanted to end up?: The plant manager position was my goal position. Although, when I was 22, I thought I would be the youngest female Plant Manager in company, but it took me a little longer than expected. I left General Motors and went to Ford which offered me more opportunities to pursue this goal.

What is your best advice/guidance for our sisters who are in the STEM field?: Tailor your experience to your career goal. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and express your career path plans. If you want to move to a leadership position, understand you may need to develop the ability to understand all types of people personalities if you will manage non-technical people.

What is your best career advice in general?: Be yourself, engage your teams, and support all the people you work

with. Remember, we are all working toward the same goal and if you treat them with respect and care for them, they will be your biggest advocates. Support your fellow women, especially at work and in the technical fields. You are a minority group and should support each other to ensure all of us can be successful. Share your experiences and advocate for each other, because you will not always get the same support from the rest of your peers and managers.

What is your best collegiate advice?: Surround yourself with people that will help you achieve your goals and who you will also help. Your sisters will become an integral foundation of this support structure.

What was the coolest part of your job? Hardest?: The coolest part of the job is being totally responsible for an entire facility; you have the ultimate control and responsibility. The hardest part – understanding that you are the top dog and remembering that people look

at you differently and may be intimidated by your position, so you need to make them feel secure enough to relax around you.

What is your favorite Theta Phi memory from college and from alumnae life?: From college: Living in the house and hearing laughter outside my door. When I opened the door, I was greeted with the sight of seeing one sister laying on her back, one standing over her with a pair of pliers on her zipper, and a third trying to push down her belly so they could get her jeans zipped up. Every time I think of this, I laugh out loud.

From alumnae life:

I have a lot of great memories and I am not sure I can choose one. I have fond memories of going to football games with a group of sisters and another group decided to get together after 20 years to paint and

catch up. Getting together post college is always a great time and filled with laughter.

*General Motors Institute (GMI) is now Kettering University.

A group of Theta Phi alumnae, including Karen, gather annually for an NFL game and lots of sisterhood time.

The B section sisters at a summer gathering, and at paint night (above).

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW INDUCTEES!

sapphire circle

Celebrating 50 Initiated Years of Sisterhood!

Jeanne Bernard, E

Betsy Berning Hite, E

Nancy J. Beyersdorfer, E

Gina Blom Pratt, E

Lisa Emmert Evans, E

Mary Jane Finke Schroer, E

Karen Heekin Cassady, E

Connie Jacob Sawtell, E

Kathy Kellerman Jones, E

Sally Kippins Mercurio, E

Jane Muller Shriver, E

Judy Scherpenberg, E

Mindy Sipes Corcoran, E

Jeanne Tateman Howe, E

Heather Bailey Wallace, K

Marcia Caliendo, K

Carmela DeFrank Londino, K

Julie Hetzel, K

Vera Koffler Johnson, K

Concetta Lapa Slanders, K

Pam Cipiti Chatelain, Σ

Gail Cotton Thorn, Σ

Barbara Davis Whitaker, Σ

Pam A. Jeffries, Σ

Paula Kiel Bartholett, Σ

Peggy O’Connor McDonald, Σ

Susan Pisano Lindeman, Σ

Jeanne Riley Hackenburg, Σ

Amy Royer Meyer, Σ

Linda Thome Murray III, Σ

Joyce Zehenni Reville, Σ

Victoria Antuna Stamper, C

Debra Walsh, C

Rose Zarbone, C

Darlene Krass Hymel, AB

Mary Vale Riehlmann, AB

Janet L. Burgess, AG

Dolores Droba, AG

Kathleen Flaherty Suhajda, AG

Mary Fus O’Connor, AG

Mary Beth Jablonski Saraceno, AG

Susan Kuncius Dykehouse, AG

Mildred Priore Ewald, AG

Susan Riegel Buckley, AG

Susan Zwinak Wagner, AG

Margie Cupak Alpha, AE

Sylvia Dimino Pascual, AE

Ann Donahue Joyce, AE

Rosemarie Kowalski Hacsi, AE

Daniela Minniti, AE

Marie Rannazzisi Accardi, AE

Pam Wotzak Holubowich, AE

Mary Ellen Masty, AI

Cynthia A. Solan, AI

Rose Wagner Kendall, AI

Ann Bezold Mackenzie, AM

Sheree Brown Evans, AM

Lillian Jett South, AM

Toni Simmons Weitkamp, AM

Linda K. Bellaire, AN

Stephanie A. DeWitt, AN

Linda Dupree Coletta, AN

Deb Horner Potts, AN

Elaine Nitos Williams, AN

Cheryl Wilber McCurdy, AN

diamond circle

Celebrating 75 Initiated Years of Sisterhood!

Mary Ann Blesi Fagel, E

Kathleen Cates Lawecki, Z

Gloria Harnett Kerzner, Z

Irene Niessen Yacko, Z

Dolores Perona Spitz, Z

Eileen Collari Pillitterri, H

Nancy Delaney, L

Dorene Dobrowski Putz, L

Lois Hadley Applegate, L

Patricia Lapp Peltzer, L

Esther Sevenich Boyle, N

Dolores Carrillo, P

Susan Lees Conklin, P

Angela Scalero Love, P

Lorraine Dolphin Mortimer, R

Tony Labriola Messina, Σ

Patricia Dona Klopatek, T

Dona Herbst Hessler, T

Patricia Meyers Martin, T

Barbara Rademacher Clark, T

Patricia Wood Kenngott, T

Barbara Hennigan Drain, Y

Theta Phi Alpha Foundation is proud of its effort to continue “Setting a New Direction.” Working closely with the Grand Council has allowed us to support more targeted program to better support the Fraternity. These efforts are highlighted in our 2023 annual report released on January 31, 2024.

This includes:

• Sponsoring Bonny Shade of Bonny Shade Speaks during Officer Leadership Training (OLT) at the University of Maryland, College Park. The Foundation also hosted Theta Phi Feud between education modules.

• Partnering with the Fraternity to bring PhiredUp to all chapters. This recruitment tool assists chapters in managing potential new member leads, tracks recruitment milestones, and assesses the overall efficiency of recruitment efforts. The Foundation will grant $28,000 over two years.

• Awarding $14,000 in academic scholarships in 2023.

The Foundation could not have done it without our generous donors! YOU have made this possible. Thank you to those of you who have given and those who continue to give. As we continue to expand programming and support, there are even more ways to get involved.

With National Convention upon us, we’re gearing up for the Silent Auction. This year, we’ll be opening the auction a few days before Convention and encouraging sisters, parents, friends, and family to participate. We’re expanding the items to include unique experiences, hand-made items, and more! There will be something for everyone, along with our favorite penguin gear! We’re introducing a new fundraiser this year: Mystery Box Auction. These $20 boxes will be available for purchase for one night only and promise to hold a gift card valued between $25 and $100. We are currently seeking gift card donations. Please consider donate a gift card towards this auction.

Unsure what to donate? Visit our Amazon Wish List or contact Jennifer Dunn Jacob, K, Director of Development, at JJacob@thetaphialphafoundation.org.

Coming to Convention? Don’t forget to visit us in the Foundation Room where we’ll have Sisterhood of the Traveling Jenga Blocks, an interactive wall, and more!

Not joining us in Baltimore? Join our Virtual Roll Call and Silent Auction!

Stay up-to-date with the latest information on all our social media channels!

2024 SIENA MEDALIST ANNOUNCED

Theta Phi Alpha’s Board of Trustees is proud to announce Kristin Smedley as the honored recipient of the 2024 Siena Medal.

Kristin Smedley is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and trailblazer for the disability community. She is also the CoFounder and CEO of the only patient organization in the world for people with rare blindness; her two sons are affected by CRB1 LCA/RP. The Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation has raised over four million dollars and achieved a National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day. That legislation, H.R. 625, was the first in U.S. history to be submitted in Braille, and it advocates for better resources for blind and visually impaired Americans.

Kristin partnered with Spark Therapeutics to help achieve the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy to treat an inherited retinal disease in the United States. She

has also given a TEDx Talk in New York City to change perceptions of blindness and partnered with Comcast Media to spread awareness of the inclusive X1 product.

Kristin is the author of the bestselling book Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight, and a new, awardwinning, inclusive children’s book, What I Can Be Is Up To Me. She is the Co-Creator of the short film The Greatest Equalizer, which Salesforce funded. All of these media harness Kristin’s essential message: uncovering ability in disability and seeing advantages in disadvantages.

In 2022, Kristin co-founded Thriving Blind Academy to solve the illiteracy and unemployment crisis in the blind community. People from six continents attended her programs, coaching, and membership.

This July, Kristin will be attending the 2024 Theta Phi Alpha National Convention in Baltimore to formally receive her award.

Since 1937, the Siena Medal has been awarded to outstanding women who are leaders in business, education, the arts, and humanitarianism. Past recipients include Dolly Chugh, Phyllis McGinley, Candy Lightner, Nancy Brinker, Elizabeth Smart, Rachel Simmons, and Ginny Carroll. For the full listing of Siena Medalists, please see the Siena Medalist page.

A. 18” Rope Chain, #013R | B.* Crown Pearl Badge, #0102 | C. Permanent Badge Charm, #3199 | D.* Centennial Badge, #0103 | E. Alumnae Initiate Pearl Guard, #3908P F. Association Treasurer Dangle, #0047 | G. Pearl Drop Earrings, #622054 | H. Betsy Ring, #BETSY | I. Vertical Incised Coat of Arms Ring, #8900

*Order badges through Theta Phi Alpha National headquarters.

(Chain, badge, and badge charm sold separately.)

(Badge, guard and dangle sold separately.)

Kristin Henkenius, AP, National President, has been busy traveling and meeting new sisters! Here is a sampling of Kristin’s travels as NP28!

1 & 2 – Kristin visited the Epsilon Chapter in Cincinnati.

3 – The Grand Council showing a little holiday cheer during their virtual meeting in December.

4 & 5 – The Grand Council met in Pittsburgh and visited the site for the 2026 National Convention. They also gathered with the Pittsburgh Area Alumnae Association for a night out.

6 & 7 – Kristin at the NPC Annual Meeting and Presidents Meeting with all of the Inter/National NPC Presidents.

8 – The Grand Council met virtually in April.

9 – Meagan Compton, C, who received the Senior Service Award, with Kristin.

10 – Founders' Day with Chi Chapter.

11 – Victoria Crowe, C, Chapter Advisor, and Kristin.

Dear Theta Phi Alpha

National Officers and Volunteers,

Each year, during National Volunteer Week, which is designated as the third week in April, Theta Phi Alpha recognizes and thanks our national officers and volunteers. Our members who serve as national officers and volunteers are the heart of our organization. These members give their energies, abilities, and talents every day for the betterment of Theta Phi Alpha.

As American author Elizabeth Andrew said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting commitment to Theta Phi Alpha! We could not do what we do without you, and are so proud to volunteer for the Fraternity alongside you!

Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,

Kristin H., Jessica, Ainsley, Candice, Kristin R., Lisa, and Katie The Grand Council 2022-2024

chapter news briefs

Check out what some of our chapters have been up to since last spring!

CHI – CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

welcomed 55 new members. The chapter sponsored their annual philanthropy event, Cutie Pie, for the entire fraternity and sorority community, as well as Theta Phi Tea. The chapter enjoyed a date party, mixer with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, sisterhood trivia night, and formal. Sisters participated in Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, the Out of the Darkness Walk, and in the FSL community’s annual lip sync event.

ALPHA MU – NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY sponsored Dodge for a Cause, a philanthropy dodgeball tournament, where over 15 teams competed and raised $1,000 for the Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter, and Mx. Sapphire, a pageant-styled competition with 11 contestants that raised $261.06 for the Ion Center. The chapter participated and placed first in numerous events this year, including Greek Month, Homecoming, Airbands dance competition, and Pi Kappa Alpha’s flag football tournament. The chapter held a Double Good popcorn fundraiser and raised over $2,100. Finally, the chapter was also awarded the Norse Up Award and sisters took home 10 individual awards at the Gold & White Awards for student engagement.

ALPHA PI – WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

held two successful recruitments, with pirate (fall) and Candy Land (spring) themes and welcomed seven new members. The chapter held numerous events this year – painting/ craft socials, different holiday socials, Thanksgiving potluck, a Christmas party, an Easter potluck, and so much more! The chapter sponsored a “No Tricks Just Teats” fundraiser, where they sold candy bars to students on Halloween, as well as a Double Good popcorn fundraiser and a baked goods fundraiser. Alpha Pi hosted their moms during the fall with brunch and bowling and their dads for lunch and a cornhole tournament and also participated in Greek Olympics. Sisters packaged meals with Mercy Meals and collected personal hygiene products for Haven House, a local shelter that supports women who are survivors of domestic violence.

ALPHA PSI – UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

held a fall sisterhood retreat and welcomed nine new members this spring. The chapter fundraised for St. Vincent de Paul with a fall fest, including pumpkin smashing, and enjoyed a semi-formal to wrap up the semester.

ALPHA OMEGA – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-PLATTEVILLE

welcomed seven new members and participated in Homecoming with Delta Sigma Phi. The chapter held a sisterhood event to a local pumpkin farm and had a Secret Santa cookie making event. They raised $400 and donated toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and clothing to Family Advocates, a domestic and sexual violence shelter, in Platteville. For Theta Phi Day of Service, the chapter volunteered at the food pantry on campus. Alpha Omega sponsored a penguin sticker fundraiser and raised about $200 to donate to the World Wildlife Fund. For philanthropy, sisters made dog toys and tie blankets for a local animal shelter. The chapter was nominated for leadership awards on their campus.

BETA BETA – THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

sponsored a successful philanthropy week and raised over $1,000 for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. The chapter held a karaoke and (pizza) pies programming event and welcomed 32 new members during recruitment. The chapter also had the highest GPA of Panhellenic chapters on campus for the fall semester!

BETA DELTA – MUSKINGUM UNIVERSITY

participated in a Greek life bonfire, Christmas parade, and Homecoming. The chapter volunteered at another sorority’s Color Run and participated in Relay for Life and the Turkey Bowl. Sisters enjoyed a night of celebrating at the chapter’s 35th anniversary Founders’ Day Ball (including two legacies with their moms!).

BETA EPSILON – SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY won Greek Week two years in a row and was awarded Excellence in New Member Education from the College Panhellenic Council. The chapter hosted their annual Pie-aPresident philanthropy event and raised over $1,500 for Maya’s Gift, donating funds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter also made cards and over 75 bracelets to send to St. Jude with Amanda Baker Hartdegen, BE, and her daughter, Felicity. Sisters have been working hard to donate items to be

taken to St. Jude. Beta Epsilon participated in the Big Event, a day of service coordinated by the university to provide service in their local community. The chapter was split into two groups, one made food boxes at the local food bank, Our Daily Bread, and the other group washed cars for the campus police department. The chapter collected many items this year, including items for Safe Harbor, a local domestic violence shelter, Roomie’s Merry Market, and boxes of food for the Lion Pantry on campus.

BETA SIGMA – RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

sponsored their annual Home Run Derby philanthropy event and Pie-a-Sister with Alpha Phi Delta. Sisters participated in Theta Phi Day of Service by packing hygiene bags for the homeless. The chapter cosponsored a candy bag sale with Tau Kappa Epsilon and donated the proceeds to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital.

GAMMA GAMMA – KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY

welcomed 14 new members. The chapter held a dine and donate fundraiser with Tommy Boys, a local pizzeria. They collaborated with another organization on campus for a philanthropy event, Tie Dye-a-Theta Phi and held their own philanthropy event, Pie-A-Theta Phi.

GAMMA DELTA – ROWAN UNIVERSITY

sponsored their annual Mr. Greek pageant and raised $1,610 for Angels Community Outreach and Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. The chapter was one of the top three teams for Relay for Life, raising over $1,125. They welcomed 22 new members to the sisterhood during the 2023-2024 year. The chapter continues to be proud of their average GPA of 3.30, which was higher than the campus average for both Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters!

GAMMA EPSILON – SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY

welcomed seven new members. The chapter hosted purse bingo and Pie-a-Theta Phi fundraisers, their annual Bump in the Night philanthropy volleyball tournament, sisterhood events, and Founders’ Day and Parents’ Day. Their members also participated in Greek Week and attended Greek Formal.

GAMMA OMEGA – TRINE UNIVERSITY

hosted their annual Big Man on Campus event to raise money for the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This year’s event raised over $52,000, breaking last year’s record of $25,000! The chapter also welcomed 18 new members and reached over 1,000 hours of community service!

DELTA BETA – ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

welcomed 11 new members and participated in many activities on campus. The chapter held many fundraisers this year, including Valentine’s Day bingo, and raised over $2,000. They donated $500 to the American Cancer Society.

DELTA ETA – SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

participated in recruitment, which turned out to be one of the most successful in recent chapter history. The chapter welcomed 13 new members! Members celebrated their first successful open sisterhood event, making pipe cleaner flowers. The chapter sponsored their first Sapphire Benefit Ball, where they were able to raise over $1,000 for the student food pantry located on campus.

alumnae association news briefs

AKRON AREA

participated in many activities this year, including monthly breakfasts, Bonco, Founders' Day, and more. In December, sisters held a holiday breakfast with a white elephant gift exchange. Akron Area sponsored their annual Bonco fundraiser, where over 170 guests enjoyed appetizers, pizza, salad, and homemade cookies for dessert, in between playing three rounds of Bonco and buying lots of raffle tickets for the

wonderful baskets displayed around the room. The event raised over $3,000 for scholarships named in honor of two of our sisters at St. Vincent/St. Mary High School. The Kitchenettes (Susan Grau Lee, Σ, and Lisa Claus Krohn, Σ) baked over 400 cookies the day before and kept the players well fed throughout the evening. They also celebrated Founders’ Day at the beautiful Akron Woman’s City Club with over 40 sisters in attendance. Sisters enjoy getting together for social and sisterhood time during the summer.

GREATER CINCINNATI

had a great time hosting Kristin Henkenius, National President, last fall. The association also joined Epsilon Chapter during Homecoming and provided chapter support to Epsilon and Delta Xi Chapters on their Chapter Advisory Boards. They also celebrated Founders’ Day with Epsilon, Alpha Mu, and Alpha Psi Chapters, and tripled their annual Roll Call for the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation! The association was also very excited to be able to provide their third dues scholarship to a very deserving, involved, and respected member of the Epsilon Chapter!

GREATER CLEVELAND

held their semi-annual meeting to plan future events and held a holiday gathering at Spins Bowling in Independence, which was attend by about 12 sisters. The association collected items for a local animal shelter and held their annual spring meeting, where they put together Easter Baskets for Laura’s Home, a local homeless shelter for families. They also worked with Alpha Xi Chapter and attended Initiation and Senior Sendoff, as well as celebrated Founders’ Day with the chapter.

NORTHEASTERN NEBRASKA

held their annual meeting (with a brunch at Michele Hephner Andersen’s ( AP) house) and collected nonperishables for local food pantries. The association had a productive meeting with elections, bylaws updates, and chapter support conversations, and of course, sisterhood time! Sisters enjoyed social events this year, including wine tasting at Kristin Henkenius’ house,

swimming party at Stacy Stark Keene’s ( AP) house, and several other gatherings. The association provided $815 in scholarships through the Wayne State College Foundation to three Alpha Pi Chapter sisters.

NORTHERN

NEW JERSEY

enjoyed a virtual Founders’ Day, a Galentine’s hangout and cookie exchange, and a fall meeting. The association also sponsored a “Socktober” philanthropy event in October for the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, where they published an Amazon wish list and asked sisters, family, and friends to donate socks and other toiletry items. Over 300 pairs of socks, hats, gloves, and toiletries were donated to the shelter.

PITTSBURGH

hosted a Holiday Happy Hour at Sly Fox Brewing. Sisters and guests donated food items, paper products, and monetary donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank. In January, the association held a joint event with Grand Council at Puttshack, where they enjoyed a night of sisterhood, mini golf, and friendly competition. The association held a networking event with Kappa Chapter and Founders’ Day with Kappa, Alpha Upsilon, and alumnae. They are excited for National Convention 2026!

* Updates included from chapters and alumnae associations were as of April 15, 2024.

BETWEEN

Sisters

BIRTHS

Arielle Castillo Rementilla, AE, son

Sarah Alvarez, GZ, son

MARRIAGES

Mary Kathryn Kelley, DE, to Connor White

ETERNAL CHAPTER

Geraldine Cady O’Laughlin, A

Marjory Jane Hadler Waligura, D

Molly Jefferys Miller, E

Mary Jo Kasselman, I

Rose Marie Lozenski Harth, I

June Seymour Miller, I

Jeanette “Jan” Steiner Shields, I

M. Judith Musial, K

Bernadette Carcione Kiel, Σ

Kathleen Considine, Σ

Joanne Rett St. Aubin, Σ

Ann Amer Brennan, AA

Yvonne M. Klootwyk, AI

Margi Osborn Borgman, AI

SYMPATHY TO

Rita Considine Stallings, Σ, sister

Carol Considine Titus, Σ, sister

Marnell Gorbach Lucas, Σ, brother

Maryann Modugno Romans, Σ, mother

Janet Ostroski Morris, Σ, husband

Patty Peresta Martell, Σ, son

Patricia Manelski Giallanza, U, daughter

SUBMIT YOUR BETWEEN SISTERS PHOTOS!

Do you have a special birth or marriage photo? Or a photo of a sister who has entered the Eternal Chapter? Maybe your bridesmaids were all Theta Phis? Submit your photos to thecompass@thetaphialpha.org or attach it to your Between Sisters report on the website. We look forward to featuring more photos in future issues!

Gloria Alejos Delgado, AG, mother

Isabel Birazzi Nowakowski, AG, father

Michelle Short, AN, father

Ainsley Robson, AT, father

Kristin Mauer Rodriguez, BA, father

Cathy Sniegocki Billoni, BN, brother

IN LOVING MEMORY

Margi Osborn Borgman, AI, was the Editor of The Compass from 1974-1976. We thank you, Margi, for your service to Theta Phi Alpha.

Above: Gamma Zeta Chapter Alumnae at Laura Alexander's (front) wedding: Bertha Romano, Debra Ashby, Analisa Garcia, Kari Angeles, Madine Glass, and Cori Cardenas.

SIGHTINGS Submit your compass photos to thecompass@thetaphialpha.org