QFA
Celebrates 100 YEARS OF THE
BY LAUREN SVEC GALLO, BETA BETA, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATION/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In June 1921, The Compass of Theta Phi Alpha was born. The magazine served as the official communication of the Fraternity and was the best way to communicate news to all members. Filled with information about alumnae, chapter highlights, and Fraternity announcements, The Compass also served as the Fraternity’s first directory, sharing members’ information from Alpha to Zeta Chapters. The same information would continue for many years, and as the Fraternity grew larger, only the directory information for National Officers was shared. Highlights of
National Conventions, extension news and updates, historic milestones, and photos started in the early years and continue through today. The magazine has been a pillar of history for Theta Phi Alpha, being one of the few constants for the past 100 years. The inaugural issue was dedicated to Amelia McSweeney, Founder, and Mildred Connely, Fraternity President, gave the first President’s Message (excerpts taken below).
When one reads the pages of this small but interesting book, one must certainly experience a little thrill of joy and distinct gratification in the thought that the banner of Theta Phi Alpha has gone steadily forward under such happy auspices. Although the Fraternity is less than a decade old, the beautiful ideals embodied in its principles by its Founders have given it strength and courage to meet and overcome many difficulties and to maintain steady progress toward the realization of its aims. Of itself, the mere possession of such ideals would not have so fostered the growth of Theta Phi Alpha; other factors contributed their measure of help. Among these may be counted the loyalty, service, unlimited devotion, and unquenchable enthusiasm on the part of Theta Phi Alpha's daughters, who realize that in the privilege of wearing her badge lies the obligation of doing their utmost to uphold every one of its principles and create traditions which shall be sources of inspiration to the college women of the future. . . . . .Do you ask yourself these days, “What AM I doing, what CAN I do for Theta Phi Alpha?” If you are thinking about these matters, there can be no doubt of your interest. . . …In conclusion, let us believe that the measure of success which Theta Phi Alpha will attain next year, and the year after and in future years, will be calculable in terms of our loyalty to her ideals. The best proof of our devotion and loyalty lies, not altogether in a high percent gained in a fraternity examination, nor yet in expressing all sorts of good wishes for our success, but rather, in addition to these elements, in a high degree of enthusiastic, unswerving, daily devotion to the teachings, the purpose, and the ideals of Theta Phi Alpha. Loyally yours in the Bonds of Theta Phi Alpha, Mildred M. Connely 6
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