The Compass May 2021

10 0 Y E A R S O F TH E

OF

TH E TA P H I A LP H A

SPRING 2021 // VOLUME 101 // ISSUE 1

A MESSAGE FROM OUR 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, 2020-2022 • Tracey Liphardt, AN ­– National President • Jessica Holthaus Ballman, E – National Vice President-Collegians • K ristin Windeshausen Henkenius, AP – National Vice President-Alumnae • Alicia Zabala Palmisano, BE – National Vice President-Extension • Stephanie Galendez, AB – National Vice President-Programming • Michelle Short Porter, AΝ – National Executive Secretary • Cristin Miller Brown, ΑY – National Treasurer Deadlines for The Compass 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 compass@thetaphialpha.org. The Compass is dedicated to publishing educational material pertinent to the membership of Theta Phi Alpha in collegiate chapters and 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 How You Can Support Theta Phi Alpha The continued success of Theta Phi Alpha depends upon YOU. Please consider giving your time and talents. Financial contributions are also greatly appreciated. Volunteering is a great opportunity to help shape the future of the Fraternity and live your lifelong commitment to QFA. Volunteer opportunities are available to fit all talents and interests. For more information, contact the Theta Phi Alpha National Office at ThetaPhiNO@thetaphialpha.org or (440) 899-9282. Paying your QFA Alumnae Dues is another way to support Theta Phi Alpha. Your annual alumnae membership dues help to finance Fraternity operations, the National Office, and new and ongoing programs for collegians and alumnae. Mail your QFA Alumnae Dues to Theta Phi Alpha National Office, 27025 Knickerbocker Road, Bay Village, Ohio, 44140-2300 or pay online at www.thetaphialpha.org.

IN THIS ISSUE: Senior Editorial Team Lauren Svec Gallo,BB, Director of Publication and Editor-in-Chief Michelle Short Porter, AΝ, National Executive Secretary Jessica Kosanovich, Director of Communications Writing and Editing Team Karen Jenkins Rubican, AS

Art Direction and Design Amy Sengbusch, Art Director, Sigler Contributors Kathy Sullivan, AG Candice Redmond Bender, BL Grace Curtis, DX Stephanie Beaulieu, DO

Kathryn Owsianiecki Hartmann, GI, Executive Director Julia Hines, DD Qamiljana Rrapo, DH The Compass is the magazine of Theta Phi Alpha, published at: Sigler • 3100 S. Riverside Dr. • Ames, Iowa 50010 • www.sigler.com

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President

Hello Sisters,

IN THETA PHI ALPHA’S 109TH YEAR WE CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS VERY MAGAZINE, THE COMPASS! We are thankful to have had 100 years of written communication from the national organization. The early versions were small booklets with very few black and white photographs. They contained contact information for sisters since we only had a few chapters at the time. The technology changes over the years bring us to our current full-color magazine. Did you know that our very own The Compass magazine won two awards for the Spring/Summer 2006 issue? The magazine was awarded two Awards of Distinction at the the 2006 Communicator Awards – Magazine/Nonprofit Category and Writing/Feature Article category. When Theta Phi Alpha was first organized in 1912, the common method of communication, other than face-to-face, was the written word through telegrams or U.S. Postal Service delivered letters. It was still very early for the telephone and very few households had one in their homes. Compare that to today’s instant communication via so many different methods. We can reach each other immediately and see each other no matter where we live on the planet. Today, Theta Phi Alpha still communicates through The Compass, but we also use electronic mail for all members, the OurHouse application for all collegians, multiple social media networks, virtual meeting platforms, videos, and our website. I would like to thank all of the writers, editors, designers, contributors, and staff who have brought us The Compass for 100 years! To continue to provide a quality magazine, we are always looking for successes to highlight, topics to cover, and information to share. Please send suggestions to compass@thetaphialpha.org. Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,

Tracey Liphardt National President

TA B L E O F

Contents

HELLO SISTERS! HAPPY SPRING!

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The Compass Dedication..........................................................................4 Save the Date: 53rd National Convention...................................................4 QFA DEIA Update..................................................................................5 QFA Celebrates 100 Years of The Compass............................................6 2021 Founders’ Day Proclamation..........................................................13 The Compass Editors Remember Their Tenures........................................14 Welcome Delta Xi Chapter!.....................................................................18 Welcome Delta Omicron Chapter!...........................................................19 Congratulations to our Sapphire and Diamond Circle Inductees!................20 Compass Points Award Nominations Needed...........................................20 Officer Leadership Training Goes Virtual...................................................22

I hope that you are able to break out of the winter slump, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue is absolutely one of my favorites and I’m so excited to bring it to you! This issue celebrates 100 years of The Compass! Started in 1921, the early years of The Compass brought news of chapters and alumnae, and served as somewhat of a directory for the Fraternity. Now, The Compass has evolved into the bright, beautiful publication that we share with our members and friends across badges. Over the years, especially in the last twenty years, The Compass has shared life-changing events that have affected our sisters – 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Maria, California wildfires, flooding in Louisiana, and tornadoes in the Midwest. We’ve brought stories about tragedy, but also about how our sisters rallied around each other to provide everything from supplies to relief grants. I feel fortunate to be a part of this magazine for over ten years. Please enjoy the look back on where the magazine has been, and what is yet to come. Happy reading!

Theta Phi Alpha Offers Members New Career Resources..........................24 2022 Siena Medalist Nominations...........................................................25

Lauren Svec Gallo Director of Publication/Editor-in-Chief

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Foundation Focus...................................................................................21 Chapter News Briefs..............................................................................26 Alumnae Association News Briefs...........................................................29 Between Sisters.....................................................................................31 Compass Sightings....................................................................back cover

Facebook.com/ThetaPhiAlphaFraternity //

@Theta_Phi_Alpha //

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Dedication

When I started putting this issue together, I was very excited to showcase 100 years of The Compass. The Fraternity has come a long way since our founding in 1912. Since 1921, The Compass has been here to document those changes and share them with the membership. This issue is not only special because it’s the celebration of 100 years of our print communication, but it serves as another point in time where we can record the Fraternity’s history. Working on The Compass has always been a passion for me. It excites me. I am blessed to be a part of this. In creating this issue, I realized that the magazine is not only important to share information with our membership, but to pinpoint these moments in time to preserve our history. When future members look back in preparation to celebrate 150 or 200 years of Theta Phi Alpha, they will be looking at these (magazine) issues to see where Theta Phi Alpha came from over the years. Some of us reading this were blessed to witness our Centennial, and maybe even the 75-year anniversary. I can only imagine what our sisters will embrace when they look back at the magazines leading up to 100 years of The Compass. This issue is dedicated to anyone who worked on The Compass over the past 100 years and had a hand in documenting Theta Phi Alpha’s history in written form.

Without your dedication to preserving Theta Phi Alpha’s history, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. This issue, Spring/Summer 2021, will be the last printed issue of The Compass for the time being. The magazine will be moved to a digital format on our website. The Compass will continue to exist to document our Fraternity's history, but this transition will allow us more flexibility with our content. More details will be shared as we progress into this next phase of our published communications. One day we may print again, but for now, the next issue will be featured online. Yours in the bonds of sisterhood, Lauren Svec Gallo Director of Publication/Editor-in-Chief

SAVE THE DATE! RD ΘΦΑ 53

NATIONAL

CONVENTION

IN MEMPHIS 4

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53 RD NATIONAL CONVENTION

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MEMPHIS

ΘΦΑ DEIA UPDATE 2020, – a year that will be remembered for a variety of reasons. Theta Phi Alpha will remember this year as the year that our BIPOC sisters told us how much they are hurting and challenged us to look at Theta Phi Alpha through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). This is the year that our Black and Brown sisters challenged us to do better, to be part of the solution instead of the problem, and to be a better Theta Phi Alpha. This is the year that the DEIA Task Force was formed.

• A survey for members to complete who were not able to attend a listening session;

In July 2020, an application was shared with members asking for volunteers to be a part of the DEIA Task Force. Thirty-seven members expressed interest in being on the task force. Antoinette Cummins, BG, Darcy-Tell Morales, GH, and Nathali Zamora, GP, volunteered as our dedicated cochairmen who led the DEIA Task Force through the important work.

• Presented a 20-page final report to the Grand Council that details areas of concern, cited research, recommendations, and information about the passionate members who served on the task force; and,

On August 12, 2020, an Open Letter to the Grand Council, Board of Trustees, National Office, and our White Sisters was shared and signed by over 240 members. The letter addressed areas of concern and areas to be examined. The letter served as a guide for the Grand Council and the DEIA Task Force. The DEIA Task Force held bi-weekly meetings and accomplished the following: • Cochairmen met periodically with the Grand Council; • Five virtual listening sessions moderated by DEIA Task Force members were held, with each session targeted to a different segment of the membership – past and current National

Officers, alumnae members, collegiate members, all sisters, and BIPOC sisters;

• Identified areas for Theta Phi Alpha to address; • Developed a subcommittee within the task force to research information for the identified areas;

• Provided a supportive space for DEIA Task Force members. The Grand Council appreciates the work of the DEIA Task Force. Many of the recommendations are high priority in our strategic plan. As a result of the task force, Theta Phi Alpha will be forming a DEIA standing committee. The Grand Council thanks our members who brought concerns to our attention. We recognize that our Black and Brown sisters face challenges that are often unseen or acknowledged by our White sisters. We are committed to making Theta Phi Alpha better for all members and acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion, and access will need to be continually addressed for Theta Phi Alpha to have a sustainable future.

For more information about Theta Phi Alpha’s plans going forward, please visit http://www.thetaphialpha.org/Intranet/Resources/DEIA-Commitments. A website login is required to access this document. { T H E C O M PA S S / / S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 }

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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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Please enjoy a few snippets of what The Compass has shared over the years! June 1923 – Frances Best, B, Editor: “Instead of having to send in the regular chapter news each editor will be required to submit one article in addition. This may be an article on anything under that sun that would be our interest to members of the fraternity. It may be a good editorial, or a

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tale, or a biography, or most anything.” The Compass was also looking for poems for a poetry contest, for both individual and chapter poems. The lifetime dues program was started and dues were set at $35.

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June 1924 – Train schedules for National Convention from Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati to Columbus, Ohio, were advertised. Frances Best, again, “The opportunity of knowing our three living founders, afforded to us by this conclave, is an occasion which will inspire us all to greater effort in following closely the ideal which they set for us, and give a zeal that we may ‘build better than we know.’” June 1926 – Lifetime dues were raised to $50.

July 1928 – After a revision to the Coat of Arms, The Compass published an article about Heraldry and the Coat of Arms of Theta Phi Alpha.

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August 1929 – The Fraternity pushes a drive for 100% lifetime membership to all chapters and alumnae. January 1930 – First photo appeared on the cover of the magazine.

October 1932 – Theta Phi Alpha voted to all have the same badge going forward. 1933 – The Guard of Honor was established and was to be awarded at National Convention in 1935. { T H E C O M PA S S / / S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 }

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July 1934 – One line of color graced the cover of the issue. 1936 – Changes to the magazine included a new design for the cover, color on the front (more than one line), and an inside directory page. June 1936 – The Compass pricing was $1 for a yearly subscription or $0.25 an issue.

Early 1940s – The format became consistent and has really become streamlined. The magazine was roughly 20 pages at this time. 1940s – Most of the issues in this decade featured wartime efforts and advertisements.

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Fall 1947 – Katherine Keliher Moran, H, helped get the Fraternity into NPC as an associate member. Summer 1949 – Founders’ Day Proclamation – “On this our Fraternity’s birthday I ask all Theta Phi Alphas, whether you be a members of an Alumnal group, a member of a City Association group or an undergraduate members, to unite solidly together in pledging ourselves anew to carry on unselfishly, untiringly in promoting the interests of Theta Phi Alpha. Johannes Jorgensen, one of St. Catherine’s biographers says, “The ultimate wisdom is to serve.” Let us not be hesitant to serve. Let us all share the responsibilities which we assumed on the day we became members of Theta Phi Alpha. We have a great Fraternity – let us all help to preserve and spread its traditions.” – Mary Louise Steigerwald, L, National President

1951 – The cover art appeared to be similar to that of the late 1930s/early 1940s. 1952 – Theta Phi Alpha merges with Pi Lambda Sigma.

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1970s – The magazine covered a lot of collegian and alumnae updates, including Senior Service Award recipients and chapter and alumnae association updates. During this time, the Fraternity was down to only 10 chapters and the 1976 National Convention held discussions about the future of Theta Phi Alpha. 1980s – The Fraternity continued to report on National Conventions, Founders’ Foundation, and chapter and alumnae news. Fourteen chapters were open in the 1980s, from Alpha Omicron to Beta Delta. The magazine’s cover had a blue order and design, but all the photos were in black and white.

Summer 1961 – Founders’ Foundation announces first scholarship recipients in this issue. Fall 1963 – Theta Phi Alpha National Office becomes automated and membership information is kept on magnetic tape, thanks to the help of National Personnel Chairman Gloria J. Neises, Z. Every member received a Theta Phi Alpha identification number and labels are printed for mailings of The Compass. 10

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1990s – A full color photo donned the front of the Spring 1990 issue. A permanent National Office was established in Bay Village, Ohio; the Office moved to Knickerbocker Road in 1994.

The Winter 1997 issue featured a story about Theta Phi Alpha’s first website, http://members/aol.com/TPAweb. Fraternity merchandise was advertised for order from the National Office, as well as a Theta Phi Alpha credit card. The Summer 1999 issue featured an entire color issue, the first in our history of The Compass.

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2000s – The current format of the magazine started around the Fall 2000 issue, with some artwork thanks to Angie Zabala Palmer, BE, and a professional publisher. The Winter/Spring 2002 issue was published after 9/11 and highlighted service projects, community service, and philanthropy work. The Fall/Winter 2005 issue after Hurricane Katrina shared the same theming. The end of the 2000s is the first mention of Living Our History: Centennial History of Theta Phi Alpha, in preparation for the Fraternity’s Centennial. 2010s – In 2011, the Fraternity switched to Sigler, our current designer and printer. The change brought lots of color and a rebrand to the

magazine. The 90th anniversary of The Compass was featured in 2011 as well. The Fall 2012 issue celebrated our Centennial Celebration in Ann Arbor, Mich., home of the Alpha Chapter. The 60-page issue showcased many memories from National Convention, including visiting Founders’ graves and initiating Helen Ryan Quinlan’s family members. 2020s – The format of the magazine remains unchanged, and highlighting sister profiles, National Convention, chapters, and alumnae associations are the main focus. Updates from the Fraternity are published as well. The Fall/Winter 2020 issue shared stories about the COVID-19 pandemic and how Theta Phi Alpha had to change with the global crisis. I look forward to sharing many more wonderful stories about our members and the Fraternity in issues to come. Many thanks to anyone who worked on the magazine for the past 100 years. Your service to Theta Phi Alpha has made an impact on our Fraternity’s history.

HAPPY 100 ANNIVERSARY to TH

THE

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TH E TA PH I ALPH A

Patricia Giallanza, U, and Donna Zak Guerin, AG

Founders’ Day Proclamation Founders’ Day Proclamation April 30, 2021 AprilDay 30, Proclamation 2021 Founders’ This time each year, sisters and friends of Theta Phi Alpha honor our founding at the University of April 30, 2019

This time each year, sisters andTheta friends Theta was Phi Alpha honortoour founding at the of Michigan on August 30, 1912. PhiofAlpha established provide a home forUniversity Catholic women, Michigan on August 30, 1912. Theta Phi Alpha was established to provide a home for Catholic women, th who that they could live authentically of existing Weinwere As found we celebrate Theta Phinot Alpha’s founding onwithin April the 30, framework 2019, our 107 year oforganizations. sisterhood, I am who found that they could not live authentically within the framework of existing organizations. We were exclusive to all other religions for many years. At the 1960 National Convention in Pittsburgh, Theta awe of this organization. Ourfor tenmany Founders gathered at theNational University of Michigan in 1912 to Theta createPhi exclusive to all other religions years. At the 1960 Convention in Pittsburgh, Phi Alpha eliminated the requirement tolove be of the Catholic faith,Today which we formally removed any discrimination what we have come to know and as Theta Phi Alpha. are over 33,000 members strong Alpha eliminated requirement torequirements. be of the Catholic faith, which removed any discrimination against women in the our membership wasjourney a formally change that ultimately tookI have quite a and derive from north to south, east to west. As However, I reflect onit our from 1912 to today, against women in our membership requirements. However, it was a change that ultimately took quitefaith a few years to be adopted fully throughout the organization. thatyears our Founders are proud of today’s Theta Phi Alpha—our sisterhood. Our service. Our commitment. few to be adopted fully throughout the organization. Similarly, our membership policy explicitly prohibits against anyone who Day As Bettytoday, Comerwhile McDaniel, Tau, Past National President, wrote indiscrimination her 1965 proclamation, Founders’ Similarly, today, while ourstill membership prohibits against anyone whoin identifies as a those woman, we havewomen workpolicy towho, do explicitly towith be inclusive oftheir alldiscrimination the membersadviser in our [sic], organization is “to honor 10 courageous counsel of far-seeing brought identifies as a woman, we still have work to do to be inclusive of all the members in our organization inour practice. While our formal policies are inclusive, how can we do better to include all sisters equally and belovedWhile sorority into existence.” How do we honor our today every day? Weequally can doand this in practice. our formal policies are ourselves inclusive, howquestion canFounders we do to and include sisters respectfully? We must continue to ask this andbetter grapple withpaying thealltruth that weand candonating and many ways, including serving as a chapter, association, or National Officer; our dues respectfully? We must continue to ask ourselves thisa diverse questionorganization, and grapple with the truth that we can and must be better. To be a strong organization is to be which will only be true if we to the Fraternity and Theta Phi Alpha Foundation; showing our Theta Phiwhich pride will by wearing our letters; must be better. To be a strong organization is to be a diverse organization, only be true if we honestly value thea diversity of identities, voices, of our members. And to doyou this,are wethinking reaching out to chapter sister with whom you and haveexperiences lost touch and letting them know that honestly value the diversity of identities, voices, and experiences of our members. And to do this, we must first acknowledge where we have fallen short. about them; and, coming together on Founders’ Day each year. All these things, and more, bring honor to must first acknowledge where we have fallen short. Theta Phi Alpha and our Founders in their own way as they sustain our sisterhood. It is my hope that all members can see themselves valued by and represented in our membership, in our It is my hope that can see themselves valued by will and represented ourresources membership, in our volunteers, and in all themembers leadership ourMildred organization. So,convinced we putthe our timeinand intoatthe 2019 marks one hundred years of since Connely collegians and alumnae the volunteers, and in the leadership of our organization. So, we will put our time and resources into the efforts to be the strong organization that is on inclusive of allOne members. University of Michigan to take a chance expansion. hundred years have passed since those brave efforts to be the strong organization that is inclusive of all members. women ventured into a new world, creating what became a national organization for women, welcoming Assisters we gather to celebrate and Chapters. honor Dorothy, Katrina, Mildred, Selma, Otilia, Amelia, at Beta, Gamma, Founders' Delta, andDay Epsilon A century of sisterhood. It is a wonderful occasion As we gather to May, celebrate Founders' Day and honor Dorothy, Katrina, Mildred, Selma, Otilia, Amelia, Camilla, Helen, Eva, and Bishop Kelly, who all had the courage to establish Theta Phi Alpha in in to laud the members of the Epsilon Chapter, who have been active continuously since their installation Camilla, Helen, May, Eva, and Bishop Kelly, who all had the courage to establish Theta Phi Alpha 1912, ask you make heartfelt courageous choices. Be the example forand your respectfulfor in JuneI1919. Wetoextend congratulations to the chapter herneighbors. collegiansHave and alumnae their 1912, I ask youwhether to makeyou courageous Be theone example forand your neighbors. Havetogether, respectful conversations, agree or choices. disagree another, continue to work love,ofand ever loyal, ever lasting commitment to Thetawith Phi Alpha. We encourage all collegians to take care your conversations, whether you agreeoforothers, disagree one and continue to work together, love, and value one so another. Beand accepting no with matter theanother, differences. Be and empower each chapter that you your successors will have this achievement onesupportive day. value another.wrong Be accepting ofup others, no matter the differences. Be supportive and empower each other. one Recognize and stand for what is right. other. Recognize wrong and stand up for what is right. As we gather to celebrate our Founders’ Day, I ask you to recall what led you to Theta Phi Alpha. In We cantumultuous honor our Founders withto our words and values for andour purpose, and with the these times we every have aday choice make. We candeeds, be theour example neighbors. We can We canPhi honor ourCreed, Founders every 1933 day withMildred our words and deeds, recite our valuesCreed and purpose, and with the in Theta Alpha written Connely. ground respectfully disagree with onein another by and continue to workWe together, our to love andtovalue oneourselves another. Theta Phi Alpha Creed, written in 1933So by Mildred We recite ourCreed Creedevery to ground ourselves in Theta Phi be Alpha’s values purpose. askdifferences. you,Connely. “how do our day?” We can accepting of and others, no matterIour Weyou canlive support and empower one another. Theta Phi Alpha’s values and purpose. So I ask you, “how do you live our Creed every day?” We can recognize wrong and stand up for right. We can honor our Founders every day by our words Inand 2021, celebrate our 109 years of sisterhood as Theta Phi Alpha. We have survived for this long ourwe deeds. In 2021, we we met celebrate our 109 years sisterhood as Theta Phi havewith survived for this longWe because the challenges of theoftimes and recognized the Alpha. need toWe evolve our membership. because we met the challenges of the times and recognized the need to evolve with our membership. We will do so inKappa, order to be National here for generations to come. I look to seeing thecelebration evolution Ascontinue Mary R. to Ammon, Past President, stated in her 1960forward proclamation, this is will continue to do so in order to be here for generations to come. I look forward to seeing the evolution of“a Theta Phi Alpha, the evolution that the members here today will create. day to renew friendships, to relive happy times, to remember once again the ideals and purposes of our of Theta Phi Alpha, the evolution that the members here today will create. Founders, and to renew our determination to do our part in fostering those ideals and purposes.” Happy Founders’ Day! Happy Founders’ Day! Enjoy this celebration and may the joy of the day stay with you always. Yours in the bonds of sisterhood, Yours in the bonds of sisterhood, Yours in the bonds of sisterhood, Tracey Liphardt, Alpha Nu Tracey Liphardt, Alpha Nu National President Tracey NationalLiphardt, PresidentAlpha Nu National President

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THE COMPASS EDITORS

Remember Their Tenures For the past 100 years, only twenty-three women have had the privilege of serving as editor of The Compass. Whether the position title fell under Editor, Grand Editor, or National Director of Publication, the role of executing our national magazine has always been one of importance. Since 1974, eleven women have served in this role. Please enjoy reading about the last eleven editors of The Compass. We remember our other sisters who served as editor and who have entered the Eternal Chapter.

1921-1922 – Irene Lucille Devlin, D 1922-1928 – Frances Best Watkins, B 1929-1935 – Rowena Harvey, Z 1936-1939 – Jean Hennegan Strasser, E 1939-1941 – Dorothy Stephans, E 1942-1943 – Kay Mulvaney Boynton, K 1944-1946 – Evelyn Brink Lothes, E 1974-1976 – Margi Osborn Borgman, AI HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I don’t remember how I got involved. I had just left college in 1974. I was very active as a student and had a journalism minor. I vaguely remember going to two National Conventions. I think one was in Chicago, maybe. I was president of our chapter and also received the Senior Service Award, but I don’t remember much about either experience. I was very close to Julie Ince Herr, AI, and Debbie McVey Lucas, AI. Julie passed away several years ago and I am still in contact with Debbie and the alumnae group from the Alpha Iota Chapter.

1976-1980 – Penny Dirrig Cummings, S HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I took journalism as an elective and was a reporter for my high school newspaper, The Vincentian, at St. Vincent High School in Akron, Ohio, in my sophomore year. I became second page editor as a junior and was the Editor-in-Chief in 1961-62. (It is now St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, home of Lebron James!) 14

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1946-1947 – Janet Imse Tiernan, T 1948-1950 – Marian Burnham Henterly, S 1951-1962 – Katherine “Kitty” Krupp Zawistowski, S Fall 1962 – Betty Comer McDaniel, T (Guest Editor, after election as National President)

1962-1973 – Dolores Friess Stephenson, S I majored in English at the University of Akron and was a reporter for their newspaper, The Buchtelite. Other activities took precedence. I was president of the Association of Women Students as a junior, Chapter President of Theta Phi Alpha as a senior, and was named Outstanding Senior Woman when I graduated in 1966. Sigma Dolores Friess Stephenson, S, had succeeded Kitty Krupp Zawistowski, S, as editor of The Compass and it was always exciting to see our photos and news in the magazine. Once we were on the cover when we won Songfest. My husband was an Air Force pilot and it was always a touch of home when The Compass arrived in my mailbox as we moved around the USA. I became a reporter and editor for newspapers produced by Officers' Wives Club. When Ray left the Air Force, I ended up as a civilian in Milan, Ohio, with a newborn son and I was bored. The opportunity to become editor of The Compass was too tempting to resist and I edited it from 1976-80. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

Never being close to a collegiate chapter or alumnae association was the most difficult part for me. Most everything was accomplished by mail. When we moved to Delaware, Ohio, I was able to contract with a printer located there, so proofreading each issue and making corrections in-person was a delight before it went to press.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART? WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

I bravely took my family to a National Convention in Chicago and I was pleased that they could experience the sight-seeing opportunities. My sons still remember riding a tour bus with Theta Phi sisters singing sorority songs! When I lived in Connecticut, I was able to attend Founders' Day with the New York (City) Alumnae Association and it was meaningful to meet new sisters united by the same rituals. I am back in northeast Ohio and a highlight was being initiated into the Sapphire Circle with my Sigma Chapter sisters and Akron alumnae.

1981-1982 – Tina Pelc Mulcrone, AG HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I was Historian for the Alpha Gamma Chapter in Chicago and the editor of The Compass at the time enjoyed the little articles I sent in for publication. She recommended me to the position of editor. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

The hardest part of being editor was organizing all the articles I received in the mail (without the aid of computers or the internet) before delivering the final copy to the printing company. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

I enjoyed reading about the various chapters and the activities they were involved in. It was always such a pleasure to share their stories in The Compass. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

I will always remember how I admired the recipients of the Senior Service Award. Publishing their accomplishments and aspirations made me so proud to be a sister of a sorority with such amazing women.

1983-1990 – Elizabeth Cibulskis Eberhart, AG HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

Learning the publishing ropes and getting chapters and associations to send in articles on time, via the U.S. Mail. I was the editor before personal computers, before desktop publishing software, before cell phones. I used a 35mm film camera to take photos. The magazine was typed up on a typewriter and I cut and pasted up the pages to send to the printer to create the magazine! Good times! WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

I enjoyed the trips I made to record Theta Phi Alpha history. I was at the Installation of Alpha Pi, Alpha Sigma, and Alpha Omega Chapters. Other highlights would be attending the College Fraternity Editors Association meetings, our National Conventions, and Leadership Conferences. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

The first big Theta Phi Alpha trip I made was to the Installation of Alpha Pi Chapter. Five sisters traveled by car from Chicago: Maria Sumara, AI, Chi Chapter Governor; Melissa Brooks, AI, Chapter President; Julie Ince Herr, AI, National Second Vice President; Jean Yosepian, U, Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Director; and, myself. If you have ever experienced winter in the Midwest, you will understand why the memory of driving in the cold and snow for ten hours is unforgettable. It was so cold we had to continuously scrape ice off the inside of the windows! The warm welcome the Alpha Pi Chapter sisters gave us made us forget the trip! I was editor during some of the Fraternity’s most trying times. In 1983 when I took the position, we had fourteen collegiate chapters. When I resigned in the summer of 1990, we had thirty chapters and six colonies (now emerging chapters). We celebrated our Diamond Jubilee, and we updated the National Constitution and Bylaws. Those years were exciting and challenging. It is fabulous we are here today to recognize 100 years of publishing The Compass. Thank you to all the editors, past and present. Our history was and is in your hands.

1990-1996 – Barbara Vaingat McIntyre, S HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I don’t remember any specific reason. I worked at a newspaper; I knew how to do a page budget and I could do layout and format. I saw an opportunity to use my strengths.

Tina Pelc Mulcrone, a fellow Alpha Gamma Chapter sister, was stepping down from being the editor. We were pretty close and I had mentioned to her that if she ever stepped down or needed help I would be interested. The Grand Council appointed me about the same time I graduated from DePaul University in June of 1983. A highlight was interviewing for the position in-person with Grand Council during their meeting in Chicago!

In those early days of computer production, things could be pretty clunky. I started using QuarkXPress for Mac on a computer at work, and then the Fraternity bought a PC for me to use. This was before email and I didn’t have access to a scanner, so I mailed a floppy disk and all the photos to the printer in Minneapolis. It seems comical now.

I did not have any training in writing or magazine design. I am an accountant! But I had a love for Theta Phi Alpha and thought my background as a high school yearbook editor and Chapter Historian would help me muddle through! It was seven years of great fun and wonderful memories!

Many sisters will remember the Indianapolis National Convention of 1992. The photographer we engaged was remiss in producing our photos, a situation that continued for months and caused a long delay in The Compass Convention issue. I think we had to threaten legal action. It was most frustrating.

I took my Initiation vows seriously and was very involved in college and then as an alumna. I loved being a collegian, but my experiences as an alumna have been amazing. My best friends are my sisters.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

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WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

My predecessor, Elizabeth Cibulskis Eberhart, AG, was so gracious and helpful in passing on the job to me. I enjoyed working with so many National Officers, alumnae, and collegians.

One highlight I won’t forget is a unique cover design that we pulled together. It was a full-page mosaic of pictures of sisters. That was a blast to put together, and I think it was well-received. I loved showcasing my sisters!

WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

The ultimate privilege was having Betty Comer McDaniel, T, serve as my copy editor. Being her apprentice was like earning a master’s degree.

1996 – Kathy Sullivan, AG HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I stepped down from the Grand Council to become the editor.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

It was fun to bring my technology skills to laying out and publishing the magazine and adding at least limited color to each issue as we started the transition from black and white. Having had no previous experience with the software, it was an interesting challenge to tackle. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

Working on the National Convention issue was great to try to bring the experience to both sisters who attended and those who were not there, not only through photos but engaging stories. I also enjoyed creating an Editorial Board to gather ideas. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

Over the 100 years, I think the profiles of the Siena Medalists have been the most meaningful writing experiences for me, because telling the stories that they share can be very impactful to everyone who reads it.

1997-1999 – Lori Runkel Rypka, AZ HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

My good friend and sister, Jeanne Ross Eichler, AB, was involved at the national level, and she recommended me for the position.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

Technology! The internet was fairly new to public use, and there was a learning curve on the computer Theta Phi Alpha had for this position. I wanted to do a refresh of the design, and we needed to purchase new software to make that possible. There are a lot of moving parts in putting together a publication – from connecting with others, to keeping track of what’s due, to getting it on paper and printed. Also, if memory serves, it was the first time we used color inside The Compass. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

I enjoyed working with my sisters to highlight the amazing women of Theta Phi Alpha. I met gals who I am still friends with today, and know we will stay connected for years to come. 16

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1999-2010 – Renée Gravois, BE HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

My dear friend, sister, and mentor, Leslie Ervin Trahant, AB, invited me to serve in this capacity and recommended me to the Grand Council. Through my work experience as a college marketing professor, together with my volunteer roles in Theta Phi Alpha and other organizations, I had ample writing experience. While The Compass was my first magazine experience, my other experiences in writing and marketing gave me a good foundation from which to learn the ins and outs of publishing. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

Time! Developing an issue of The Compass takes more hours than I could ever begin to count. Mix together raising children, working full-time, and such a time-intensive volunteer role, you get the idea of being time-challenged and time-frazzled. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

So many – just to name a few: the teamwork, sisterhood, camaraderie, shared commitment, challenge, and creativity it took to produce each and every issue. The experience of meeting so many sisters while gathering stories and interviewing them. The bonding with sisters on the Writing and Editing Team over story planning, writing, revising, and more revising. The joy of seeing a story start as just a kernel of an idea and helping shape it into the finished product. The fun of making decisions about the cover, lead stories, and other elements of each issue. The incredible support I received from Grand Council, National Officers, previous editors of The Compass, chapters and alumnae associations, our publisher, and the many volunteer writers and editors with whom I had the pleasure to work. The pride of a job well done. The joy of receiving The Compass in my mailbox and getting sisters’ feedback. I could go on and on about the incredible value, learning opportunities, sisterhood, and friendship that being part of The Compass team has added to my life. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

A consistent highlight for me through each of my years as editor was showcasing the awe-inspiring stories of the impact our sisters make in Theta Phi Alpha, our communities, and our world, even in times of hardship. I will always remember the stories about the challenges sisters faced and the many positive impacts they made in the wake of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Thank you for the opportunity to have served as editor of The Compass and to all sisters who have contributed to the magazine over our first 100 years.

2010-2016 – Lauren Svec Gallo, BB HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I worked on the Writing and Editing Team with Renée (Gravois) for two years. She decided to retire from the editor position. I had some interest in the position, and Karen Rubican, AS, convinced me to take over as editor. One of the best decisions I’ve made in Theta Phi Alpha! WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

I think the hardest aspects are time and space. I wish we had all unlimited space in the magazine to print every great story and feature that we come across. It’s also finding enough time in the day to put everything together once that time of the year rolls around to start piecing the magazine together. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

I’m a true communication nerd and writing and editing brings me such joy. Putting the magazine together is hard work and is very time consuming, but the team of people that I worked with really made the magazine what it was (and is!). I loved submitting all the pieces to our designer and seeing it come to life with photos and color. It truly makes a difference. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER? I was very fortunate to work on some big issues, including The Compass 90th anniversary, our 50th National Convention in

New Orleans, and the BIG one, the Fraternity’s Centennial. Working on the issues after National Convention are always great and I want to convey all the “feelings” from Convention to our readers. Being able to showcase our Centennial Celebration in Ann Arbor was truly special. When we toured Ann Arbor, we visited the graves of some of the Founders and had dinner in the Student Union (where our Founders weren’t allowed to enter the front door, and were only allowed to visit if attending a dance with a fraternity man) at the University of Michigan. Being able to share that with our readers was simply amazing.

2016-2017 – Melissa Zolla, BX HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

My predecessor, Lauren Svec Gallo, BB, was running for Grand Council and knew a replacement would be needed if she won the election. After being a Leadership Consultant for a year and a half, I was looking for a new way to be involved as an alumna. Both of us being part of the Northern New Jersey Alumnae Association brought us together and I started shadowing how the process worked over that summer. Being a National Convention year, it was a big fall issue so we worked on it together. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

Balancing my regular job with the editing process. I work in college admissions and the fall is our busiest part of the year. Sometimes there weren't enough hours in the day to get it all done, but we eventually managed.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?

I loved finding stories to highlight all stages of membership and including photos of as many chapters as possible. I always felt that an article was great for story telling but a photo truly captured the Theta Phi spirit. WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

The first issue Lauren and I worked on was the Convention issue. Since I was able to attend Convention, it was like reliving the whole experience not only from my point of view, but from fellow sisters as well.

2018 – Danielle Netta, BG HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPASS AND BECOME THE EDITOR?

I have been volunteering for Theta Phi Alpha since I graduated in 1997 from Fairleigh Dickinson University. About 12 years ago, I was a staff writer for The Compass. When my daughter was born in 2011, I took some time off. A few years ago I was looking to get involved again and The Compass needed an editor and they knew of my prior experience working for The Compass, in addition to my career in corporate communications and my extensive professional writing background, so it was a perfect fit. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING EDITOR DURING YOUR TENURE?

The hardest part for me was the sheer volume of work. This is definitely one of the volunteer positions that requires to have excellent time and project management skills. It was practically a part-time job. For me, balancing my full-time job, being a mom, and working on The Compass was a lot to manage. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST/WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART? Working on The Compass allowed me to work with sisters from

many different chapters. I always enjoy meeting new sisters and working together for Theta Phi Alpha. I always hope when I speak to my own chapter and tell them my experience, the collegians will do the same as me and volunteer when they become alumnae.

WHAT WAS ONE STORY OR HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER?

I can’t say there was one particular story, but all of the sister spotlights were always my favorite. We have amazing women in Theta Phi Alpha who have accomplished so much in their personal and professional lives.

2020-present – Lauren Svec Gallo, BB I’m back! I’m so excited to be back as the Director of Publication and Editor-in-Chief of The Compass! I really enjoyed my time as editor from 2010-2016, and after spending four years serving on Grand Council, I knew this was the job that I wanted to return to. I’m very fortunate to see such amazing changes over the past 11 years, including a new designer, a full-time communications director for the Fraternity, and lots of sisters who love writing, editing, and communication as much as I do! Doing this job is really a passion for me, and I love working on the magazine. I’m so excited for this issue to hit your mailbox, since it celebrates 100 years of The Compass!

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THE TA PHI A LPH A

WELCOMES DELTA XI CHAPTER

BY GRACE CURTIS, DELTA XI The Delta Xi Chapter was installed at Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 15, 2020. This was the first virtual Installation in the history of Theta Phi Alpha. Theta Phi Alpha joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity as the second national Greek organization on campus. The journey towards establishing a Greek organization for women on this campus was long. It began in 2016 when a group of women formed a “sorority interest group.” Without yet knowing which organization would come, the collegians recruited based on the benefits of Greek life. Theta Phi Alpha first came in 2019. It was a perfect match, and soon the Mount Saint Joseph University Emerging Chapter was formed. The collegians worked diligently recruiting, learning about the Fraternity, and understanding the operations of an installed chapter. They were quickly approaching Installation, scheduled for March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The installation committee had been meeting for months. Members bought their attire and invited their families to celebrate this historical event. However, the pandemic’s outbreak made any plans to be installed in the spring obsolete. Though the collegians were disheartened, their determination to join the sisterhood persevered. They worked closely with the National Office to wade through these uncharted waters. Together, with the help of much virtual communication, they completed the process to plan Installation. On November 15, 2020, we were initiated as Charter Members of the Delta Xi Chapter. Two alumnae were able to come back to campus to be initiated as well. Some new members were able to join inperson (masked and socially distanced), while the rest were virtual with alumnae, National Officers, and members of the Grand Council. Everyone participating in the Ritual was filled with great joy at this long-awaited moment. The Delta Xi Chapter owes its success to the many alumnae who guided them along the journey. 18

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Thank you to all those who helped us become a chapter! We would like to thank the following people: • The Grand Council of QFA • Kristin Mauer Rodriguez, BA, Director of Emerging Chapters • Giselle Li, DI, Emerging Chapter Coordinator • Laura Carroll, AY, Emerging Chapter Advisor • Michelle Alpizar, BN, Emerging Chapter Communications Coordinator • Julia Osadchy, GD, National Assistant Treasurer • Brianna Parker, Z, Leadership Consultant • Estela Dominguez, BU, Leadership Consultant • Janet Cox, AZ, MSJ Dean of Students • Epsilon Chapter, Big Sister Chapter • National Office Staff Thanks also to the many QFA sisters who contributed to our box of Ritual equipment! INITIATES: Julia Bowling Kaylynn Bowman Andrea Bridgeford Hannah Cox Grace Curtis Kenzie Eagan Regan Gable Taylor Greene Mackenzie Harbin Jaimee Hebert Molly Hudson Jordan Iori Emily Lanter

Megan Leininger Danielle Lippi Kylie Lonneman Tessa Mayes Paige Naber Katrina Nason Evanne Newland Lindsey Perkins Abby Reuss Zoe Romaker Samantha Ryan Andi Saylor Isabella Watson

Grace Curtis is a senior religious studies major and the Chapter President. She has loved spending time with her sisters and finding her best friends in Theta Phi. She hopes to work for a Catholic parish serving the youth, as well as become an active alumna for her chapter.

their er sisters at pt ha C i X a lt De Installation. Initiation and

Delta Xi C hapter siste rs at their Initiation and Installation .

THE TA PHI A LPH A

WELCOMES DELTA OMICRON CHAPTER

BY STEPHANIE BEAULIEU, DELTA OMICRON Have you ever wanted something so much that once you finally have it, it doesn't feel real? The sisters of the Delta Omicron Chapter have been recruiting women since Theta Phi Alpha visited Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in the spring of 2020. For some, the journey started earlier, though. Back in the fall of 2018, two of the current sisters reached out to the Office of Student Involvement to see if it was possible to have a third sorority brought on to campus. From there, the excitement grew as more and more women wanted to get involved and make this dream a reality. In fall 2019, we were thrilled to hear that Theta Phi Alpha was chosen to join the Inter-Greek Council at SNHU and during the period from January to March, thirteen women were recruited. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing the school and social events to move entirely virtual. Although many people know of SNHU from their advertised online program, the transition from the in-person program to the online one was not easy. At times we felt defeated and discouraged, but we didn’t let it affect our first recruitment season. Our recruitment was nothing we ever expected. When we were all sent home in March, we never expected to be managing online school for the following year and a half. This led the small group of thirteen women to have to reach out virtually in order to recruit more women to join Theta Phi Alpha. Recruiting virtually came with a lot of challenges. We had to think of and execute ideas that got people involved and engaged, such as trivia nights, coffee dates, and philanthropy presentations. Even with the struggle of virtual recruitment, we successfully found women that aligned with the values of Theta Phi Alpha and were excited to start this new journey of their life. We are all so proud and excited to have successfully gotten the chapter installed and sisters initiated within a year of Theta Phi being brought to SNHU. We relied on our core values to bring us together and get to our goal of being initiated before the Class of 2021 graduated. Not only was recruitment a challenge, but we also had to organize and plan virtual sisterhood events. This allowed

us to stay connected even while we all spent another semester at home. It was amazing to see the sisterhood that we could still create while being virtual since March of 2020. We all cannot wait until we can be together in-person and celebrate the accomplishments we have achieved as a newly installed chapter. Initiation was conducted over Zoom on Sunday, January 24, 2021. We were able to have a discussion with Grand Council and other alumnae on our thoughts and feelings towards being initiated virtually. It was a great experience being able to then share the Installation of the chapter with other collegians, alumnae, and some of SNHU faculty and Greek life. We were very honored to have Theta Phi Alpha’s National President, Tracey Liphardt, AN, as our Installing Officer. It was such a unique experience having so many sisters celebrating all the hard work we have put in and finally being installed as a chapter of Theta Phi Alpha. Even though these ceremonies were virtual, they were very special to all our sisters and will be held near and dear to our hearts. We are all excited to see what the future holds for us in Theta Phi Alpha and hopefully we will all get to be together (for the first time!) soon.

Thanks also to the many QFA sisters who contributed to our box of Ritual equipment! INITIATES: Ellen Albanese Lindsey Baldwin Stephanie Beaulieu Amanda Bogoslofski Caroline Carrozini Mikayla Cleaves Hailey Davis Rose Donovan Samantha Frazer Brianna Fiquet Molly Gallagher Alicia Hamilton Alison Higgins Shannon Joyce Melissa Kennelly

Alexyss (Lexy) Lema Kealoha “Kea” Lopez Megan Mccombie Molly (Kathleen) McNeil Celeste Molle Jenna Moretto Sam Nunes Grace O’Donnell Meagan Pennie Aparna Rai Rachel Stein Keyla Torres Megan Wallace Abby Ward

Stephanie Beaulieu is a sophomore studying business administration with a concentration in marketing and two minors in psychology and professional selling. She is currently the Assistant New Member Educator and will be serving the 2021-2022 IGC executive board as the Marketing Chairman.

Thank you! Thank you to everyone who helped us along this process. We appreciate all of the time and energy given to us. Thank you to all those who helped us become a chapter! We would like to thank the following people: • The Grand Council of QFA • Kristin Mauer Rodriguez, BA, Director of Emerging Chapters • Adele Binni, DA, Emerging Chapter Coordinator • Katie Slocum, GM, Emerging Chapter Advisor • Mary Humphrey, Z, Emerging Chapter Communications Coordinator • Julia Osadchy, GD, National Assistant Treasurer • Brianna Parker, Z, Leadership Consultant • Estela Dominguez, BU, Leadership Consultant • Delta Eta Chapter, Big Sister Chapter • SNHU Inter-Greek Council • National Office Staff

and alumnae Chapter sisters Delta Omicron allation. Initiation and Inst l ua rt vi r ei th at { T H E C O M PA S S / / S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 }

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sapphire circle inductees

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O O U R

C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 I N I T I AT E D Y E A R S O F S I S T E R H O O D !

Patricia Clancy, E Nancy Gabriel Wurtz, E Marilyn Galvin, E Martha Mueller LaRocca, E Catherine Newbold Newbold, E Barbara Lipinski Kengor, K Suzanne Muellerschoen Sanko, K Francine Rosenfeld Conway, K Susan Patterson Grabowski, K Yvonne Boesiger Jones, S Lucy Fiocca Bowers, S Joanell Geese Pangrac, S Christine Hastler Granata, S Kristina Kaswell Hollingsworth, S Sherrie King Smith, S

Bethany Mills Tucker, S Donna Modugno Haury, S Mary Myers Tschantz, S Maryann Nettling Betz, S Peggy Saunders Murray, S Pam Sikora Castner, S Laura Sinacore Santaferrero, S Nan Sponseller Davis, S Cynthia Sprain Kellett, S Alice Stephenson D'Attoma, S Anna Fandel, C Mary Hill Jelinek, C Mary Parr Abram, C Jayne Riedmann Mollner, C Elizabeth Epple Boudreau, W

Mary Fetiak Haglin, W Mary Meerlotti, W Kathleen Griffiths Plath, AB Maureen Sturbitts, AB Diane Bak Peterlin, AG Pamela Borowski Cebrzynski, AG Adele Burgess Prendergast, AG Gayle Carbone Heath, AG Joyce Guinan Neumann, AG Elizabeth Hillman Meyer, AG Donna Davis Saleeby, AE Janet Marino Seehafer, AZ Martha Middendorf Morrissey, AH Carol Studer Becker, AH Sara Schrank, AQ

diamond circle inductees

Rhea Bereolos Lindemann, AI Wendy Blohm Arth, AI Pamela Carollo, AI Christine Czapla Hadt, AI Vivian Giannini Szynkrowski, AI Janet McNab Hankins, AI Elaine Pranske Krause, AI Debra Snyder Mattozzi, AI Cheryl Sorba Nagel, AI Starlite Thompson, AI Judith Vajda, AI Susan Williams Drapac, AI Ernestina Agresti, AL Anne Bressan, AL

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O O U R

C E L E B R AT I N G 7 5 I N I T I AT E D Y E A R S O F S I S T E R H O O D !

Mary Catherine Buente McMahan, E Marian Laumann Scherpenberg, E Mary McCoy Ratterman, E Mary Ann Zimmerman Coleman, E Stephanie Bonica, H

Josephine Colletto Tamuleviz, H Anita Kapp Herman, K Jeanne Klingensmith Mischler, K Sally Leech States, K Helen Meagher Watson, L

Eleanor Kerr Davidsaver, N Lois Cabalek Sixel, N Regina Gobatti Hollberg, O Reda Borbridge Mika, P Pauline Sweeney Schumacher, P

Rose Wagner Himes, R Donna Peneff Arnold, S Doreen Donnelly Brown, T Mary Jaeger Suttinger, T

Compass Points Award

The Compass Points award is an alumnae award program designed to strengthen the chain of sisterhood by celebrating each other’s accomplishments. Named for each direction on the compass, categories signify the many areas our alumnae serve and honor our Fraternity. All alumnae are eligible to be nominated for any of four compass points awards.

North • National Service South • Special Achievement East • Emerging Young Alumna West • Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom Nominate someone today at www.thetaphialpha.org/CompassPoints 20

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Focus

F O U N DATION

to acquire both of them. By working together, we were able to help a sister on her road to recovery.

Sophia Farriella, GY

T

he Theta Phi Alpha Relief Fund, created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, provides grants to sisters affected by a federally declared emergency. These declarations, made by the President of the United States, are something noted when a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, mudslide, or wildfire strikes – but declarations are regularly made on a smaller scale to address an impactful event. The federal declaration not only provides help from FEMA to affected areas, but also allows charitable organizations, such as Theta Phi Alpha Foundation, to provide support within our IRS tax status. Grants from the Relief Fund help a sister to recover from the devastating impact that a disaster can have on her life and her home. From the inception of the fund through 2020, grants had primarily been provided to sisters recovering from flooding events or hurricanes, due to the major impacts experienced by sisters. Survivors of these events are often so resilient that they are reluctant to apply for the grants, expressing that the funds should be made available to others in need. In one situation, a sister and many members of her family relocated to another state after their homes and belongings were destroyed. During a follow-up contact, she was in the process of saving to replace the refrigerator and her bed. Rather than having to prioritize one over the other, she was able to use her grant funds

During March and April 2020, the federal government declared disasters in all fifty states as the COVID-19 virus spread across the country. The impacts of the pandemic are well-known with the suspension of normal activities, that include increases in unemployment, isolation, and housing/food insecurity. Additionally, the nature of this declaration differs from the typical emergencies as the situation continues to be ongoing, with declarations currently extended through September 2021 – eighteen months after the original one. Theta Phi Alpha collegians have been particularly impacted. Their lives were disrupted as campuses were evacuated often with as little as 24- to 48-hours notice to move out of dormitories. Many of our working collegians lost their jobs that often funded not only their education but their living expenses. Collegians’ jobs are often held in industries that have been more impacted with pandemicrelated job losses. The grants that Theta Phi Alpha Foundation has given to these sisters are making a difference in their lives. One of our Relief Grant recipients, Sophia Farriella, GY, shares her story: “The Theta Phi Alpha Relief Grant was truly a blessing at one of the most difficult times of my life. When the pandemic began, I was a full-time college student, living on my own, paying my own bills, while also working two part-time positions: as a student worker at the campus health center and as a medical scribe at a pain management office. Unfortunately, I lost both of these jobs due to the unknowns of the pandemic, and therefore lost all of my sources of financial income. I was already living paycheck to paycheck since both of these positions were only part-time. I was terrified

thinking about how I would make ends meet to afford my next rent payment, my utilities, gas, and groceries during this tragic crisis. I was also enrolled and preparing to continue my education in an accelerated nursing program, which was set to begin in two short months. My school expenses needed to be paid prior to beginning the program and again, was unsure how this would be possible without financial support. I was also unable to turn to my family during this time; my single mother was on work-leave due to the pandemic and had become extremely ill. I was also fearful of how we could even afford her medical expenses. Fortunately, I was able to turn to my Gamma Psi Chapter for help and resources during one of the lowest points of my life. Our executive board was informed about the Relief Fund and shared this information with our chapter to help other sisters who were drastically affected by the pandemic. I applied for a grant, although unsure if I qualified. Although my situation was difficult, I knew that others experienced much worse consequences. When I learned that I would receive financial assistance from the Theta Phi Alpha Relief Fund, I sobbed with gratitude. I couldn’t believe I was fortunate enough to receive the help that I desperately needed. I could afford my bills and buy groceries for at least enough time to figure out how to adapt to my pandemic circumstances. I was also able to fund my upcoming school expenses; fast forward to today, I am about to complete my accelerated nursing program. I did not think that I would make it this far. By becoming a nurse, especially during the pandemic, I have been able to give back by actually helping those still affected by this tragedy. I am grateful that I was given this opportunity and I most definitely will never forget it.” The application and details on the Theta Phi Alpha Relief Grants are available online at https://www.thetaphialpha.org/ foundation-programs/disaster-relief, while contributions to the Relief Fund may be made at thetaphialpha.org/donate.

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OfficerT R ALeadership INING Goes Virtual in 2021

Officer Leadership Training (OLT) has always been about two things: providing opportunities for chapter leaders of our organization to grow into the best version of themselves and fostering lifelong bonds with members from across the country. Now, even in 2021, that goal hasn’t changed, but our approach has. Presenting a silver lining, COVID-19 allowed OLT to go virtual. A virtual conference presented unique opportunities, such as the ability to partner with a keynote speaker and have professionals from other organizations facilitate our officer tracks, offering diverse perspectives. Going virtual also allowed expanded opportunities for chapters to network with people outside of their regions, while maintaining the consistency of the content that was offered. Officer Leadership Training saw Presidents, Treasurers, Recruitment Officers, New Member Educators, and Chapter Advisors receive specific training in best practices for their respective areas, as well as education furthering their journey to be inclusive leaders. Rising to the commitment of Grand Council’s Strategic Initiatives, we were pleased to have Tara Fuller present her keynote, “The ABCs of Inclusion.” Through her keynote, collegians and alumnae learned: • how to distinguish their own identities and how those relate to their peers and community; • how to define privilege and recognize the impact institutional and/or organizational history plays on social identities; • the responsibilities of a making a positive impact and being a contributing member of their communities; and,

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• the ways to incorporate inclusive language into their collegiate and/or membership experience. Following the keynote, breakout sessions were held to dive deeper into diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Participants were challenged to think about how we can take responsibility for being intentionally inclusive in both our personal lives and creating an inclusive chapter and organizational culture. Cross-chapter collaboration even led to some chapters creating new positions, while others considered how the language of their bylaws and codes of conduct may impact access and inclusivity. The positive impact of addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access cannot be overstated. Of 193 attendees surveyed, 96% agreed that Tara’s keynote gave them a deeper understanding of DEIA issues, and another 93% agreed that the DEIA breakout sessions allowed them to create tangible action items to be more inclusive. The survey responses also indicated that there is a hunger for more of this kind of training – from both alumnae and collegians. Theta Phi Alpha has a history of striving to be inclusive in our national policies, and this January, Tracey Liphardt, AN, National President, reaffirmed that commitment wholeheartedly when she addressed our membership at OLT.

Officer Leadership Training has been completely transformed, from teaching just the operational aspects of a position’s role to empowering our women with the tools they need to be successful leaders. We are revolutionizing OLT by inviting industry experts to share their experiences in topics like diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and addressing the most pressing issues collegiate women face, such as self-care, career development, self-identity exploration, chapter management, and more. When asked how the event impacted them, here is what some members had to say: • “ The ABCs of DEIA made me very aware of the biases I had and how I can acknowledge them.” • “ Everything feels significantly less overwhelming than it did at the beginning of the day. This is a stressful thing, but I feel so much better.” • “ It helped me feel like I was not alone, and even through a pandemic, we have a wonderful support system who is still trying.” • “ It was really interesting to just learn more about DEIA issues and how to overcome them in different situations. I think that right now, and in the future, this is an important topic that needs to be talked about; I was very happy that this was the topic for today. It definitely made me take a step back and think about how I handle situations and how I will change the way I handle them in the future. I look forward to bringing

the ideas that I learned today to not only my chapter but to my overall college community.” • “ The event really opened my eyes to the fact that being the president is much more than just a title.” • “ This event greatly influenced how I will treat future educational programs for my chapter so all members are informed about diversity and inclusion.” • “ It was definitely reassuring to know that other presidents do feel nervous about taking on this position. The way that everyone was so ready and willing to support each other with advice and suggestions was very impactful.” We are excited to expand upon these opportunities and experiences in our upcoming Officer Leadership Training. Not only are we providing training to specific officers, we have opened registration to any member who believes they would benefit from the conference. We know that empowered women empower women and creating the opportunity for every member to engage in this experience will lead us into a brighter future. This summer, Officer Leadership Training will be held virtually July 15-17. Besides the required chapter officers, additional collegiate sisters, Chapter Advisors, and other alumnae are invited to attend at a discounted rate. Please visit https://my.thetaphialpha.org to register.

OLT Keynote Speaker – Tara Fuller Tara Fuller has been passionate about understanding others who are different from her for as long as she can remember. Tara was adopted as an infant, has been challenged by mental illness, and identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. She is grounded by her ability to build relationships and sees this as the foundation to making a big community impact. Tara has worked in higher education and student affairs on a number of campuses for almost ten years. Currently, she serves as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J. Her experiences continue to show her the importance of relying on the support of others. She believes all people are on lifelong journeys to belong.

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Theta Phi Alpha Offers Founders’ Day Proclamation MembersApril New30, Career 2019 Resource The sorority experience provides many skills and experiences

th As we celebrate Theta Phi Alpha’s founding on April 30, 2019, our Phi 107Alpha year of sisterhoo that are transferable to the workplace and Theta awe of this organization. Ourstrives ten Founders gathered at the University of Michigan in 1912 to assist with the professional success of our members what we have come to knowasand love as Theta Phi Alpha. Today we are over 33,000 mem much as possible. In February, Theta Phi Alpha launched and derive from north to south, easttoto west. As I reflect on our that journey from 1912 to today access Scholars, a new career resource connects that our Founders are proud of today’s Theta Phi Alpha—our sisterhood. Our service. Our students and recent graduates with internship opportunities

and corporate contacts.

As Betty Comer McDaniel, Tau, Past National President, wrote in her 1965 proclamation, is “to honor those 10 courageous womeninternship who, with counsel ofatheir far-seeing adviser [sic The Scholars database acts as networking beloved sorority into existence.” How honor our Founders today and resource thatdo willwe match students with employers based on every day? We many ways, including serving asskills, a chapter, association, or National Officer; their interests, and experiences. The connections our paying our du to the Fraternity and Theta Phi Alphamake Foundation; showing our Theta Phi pride members will kick-start their professional network and by wearing reaching out to a chapter sister with whom you have lost touch and letting them know that strengthen their resumé to help find their dream job regardless about them; and, coming together on Founders’ Day each year. All these things, and more of who they know or where they go to school. Theta Phi Alpha and our Founders in their own way as they sustain our sisterhood.

All active Theta Phi members are invited to join this online community for free, create a profile, and matchthe withcollegians and alumn 2019 marks one hundred years since Mildred Connely convinced top acompanies like expansion. Cardinal Health, PwC, Northwestern University of Michigan to take chance on One hundred years have passed sin Mutual, and many more internships and entry-level job women ventured into a new world, creating whatforbecame a national organization for wom opportunities. Members can also follow company pages sisters at Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon Chapters. A century of sisterhood. It is a wond and attend virtual webinars hosted by hiring managers at to laud the members of the Epsilon Chapter, who have been active continuously since thei the participating companies. In addition, June 1919. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the chapterScholars and herregularly collegians and alum shares articles addressing topics such Mastering the ever loyal, ever lasting commitment to Theta Phi Alpha. Weasencourage all collegians to ta chapter so that you and your Panel successors haveTothis day. Interviewwill and What Do achievement With a Business one Degree: 13 Options for Grads. Online assessments are also available help young professionals wherewhat to getled more As we gather to celebrate ourtoFounders’ Day, I askunderstand you to recall you to Theta Phi training or experience, identify to bringfor to our neighbo these tumultuous times we have a choice to make. Wehard canand besoft theskills example their career, and with writing resumes and cover respectfully disagree with one another andhelp continue to work together, toletters. love and value on We can be accepting of others, no matter ourcareer differences. We can canassist support Regardless of your path, Scholars with and your empower on We can recognize wrong andprofessional stand up development for right. We can honor our Founders every day by goals.

and our deeds.

“We recognize the value of real-world job experience through and we’re very proud to offerinthis benefit As Mary R. Ammon, Kappa,internships, Past National President, stated hernew 1960 proclamation, this to our collegians and recent graduates as a way to help ourthe ideals and “a day to renew friendships, to relive happy times, to remember once again members achieve their professional goals,” said Executive Founders, and to renew our determination to do our part in fostering those ideals and purp Director Kathryn Hartmann, GI.

Enjoy this celebration and may the joy of the day stay with you always.

To get started, members are encouraged to visit the Theta Phi Alpha Scholars landing page (https://app.hirescholars.com/ Yours in the bonds of sisterhood, thetaphialpha/register) to establish their applicant profile and begin to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with Tracey Liphardt, Alpha Nu top companies. Alumnae who are business owners or hiring National President managers can also contact Scholars to have their company’s internship offerings listed on the platform. We look forward to sharing more professional development resources with our members each year! 24

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A.* H.

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B. I. C., D. E. A. Centennial Badge*, #0103 | B. Alumnae Initiate Plain Guard, #3908 | C. Recruitment

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Counselor Dangle, #0087 | D. One World, One Heart Dangle, #1W1H | E. Snake Chain, 18”, SNAKE18 | F. Crown Pearl Badge*, #0102 | G. Permanent Badge Charm #3199 | H. Raised Pearl Ring, #612013 | I. Pearl Drop Necklace, 18”, #682054 | J. Pearl Drop Earrings, #622054 K. Large Pearl Bracelet with Engraved Tag, 7.5”, #636008 *Badges must be ordered through Theta Phi Alpha National O ice.

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ThPhiA 2021Mar ad R2.indd 1

3/9/21 8:57 AM

2022

SIENA MEDALIST NOMINATIONS The Board of Trustees announces our search for nominations for Theta Phi Alpha’s next Siena Medalist. The medal will be awarded at the National Convention in Memphis in 2022! Please take some time and research an amazing woman who has done something worthy of this honor. Nominees should be women of distinction in their profession, advocates for social service, or personal role models. To nominate someone, please fill out the nomination form: www.thetaphialpha.org/sienamedalist-nominations Questions can be directed to Mari Ann Callais at sienamedal@thetaphialpha.org.

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NEWS |

briefs

chapter

NEWS BRIEFS

EPSILON – UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI participated in virtual recruitment in the fall and also in February and gained fifty new members in total. They held a virtual Yoga with Theta Phi fundraiser, raising over $600 for The Dragonfly Foundation. They also added a new diversity, equity, inclusion, and access position to the chapter.

ZETA – INDIANA UNIVERSITY - BLOOMINGTON added 45 new members into their chapter this past recruitment season. They have been enjoying virtual and small in-person events.

KAPPA – UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH recruited a total of forty-two women between the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. Over the summer, the chapter fundraised almost $2,000 for Bukit Bail Fund, a local bail fund in Pittsburgh. They are now able to have a few in-person events this semester, including big/little reveal, laser tag, and a bracelet making event.

CHI – CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY implemented a new diversity, equity, and inclusion position. They have been approved for in-person volunteering with Heartland Hope Mission. The chapter has also provided resources to sisters for social justice and mental health.

ALPHA BETA – LOYOLA UNIVERSITY - NEW ORLEANS raised over $700 for HandsOn New Orleans Volunteer Center. The chapter also enjoyed a chapter development presentation on prioritizing mental health and self-care.

ALPHA DELTA – ST. NORBERT COLLEGE recruited 11 new members in the fall semester. They were able to hold their superlative awards last year and have enjoyed many sisterhood and recruitment events.

ALPHA EPSILON – ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY has enjoyed many virtual events, including raising money for various causes surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement. This past fall, they were able to virtually recruit and initiate eight new women.

ALPHA MU – NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY enjoyed sisterhood events.

ALPHA XI – CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY was able to conduct in-person recruitment in the spring and virtual recruitment in the fall of 2020. The chapter added thirteen new women over both semesters. They also held a virtual philanthropy event, Pie-a-Theta Phi, where their sisters would be “pied” over Instagram for every $10 raised for one of their local philanthropies, Laura's Home.

ALPHA PI – WAYNE STATE COLLEGE had some successful fundraising ventures this past year. The chapter held Double Good Popcorn fundraisers and sold over $2,000 (half proceeds to the chapter) each semester. The fundraiser benefited Glenmary Home Missioners and The 26

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House That Theta Phi Alpha Built; proceeds were donated to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, a 56-room guest house for out-of-town families visiting Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. The chapter also donated locally to Haven House, a domestic abuse and violence support center, in Wayne.

ALPHA TAU – EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY held two recruitment events and enjoyed a sisterhood event making tie blankets and toys out of old t-shirts for the Halifax Humane Society.

ALPHA UPSILON – INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA held a virtual philanthropy event this year, Pie-a-Theta Phi. Donations were made online and a video compilation of sisters being pied was sent out to donors.

ALPHA PSI – UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON hosted some fun sisterhood events, including a virtual sisterhood social.

ALPHA OMEGA – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINPLATTEVILLE was able to participate in both virtual and in-person events last year. Recruitment was in-person last spring and virtual last fall, and the chapter welcomed seven new women. They have continued to volunteer at Ruby’s Pantry, Roundtree Gallery, and tutor at Platteville Middle School, as well as continue to fundraise for QFA’s national philanthropies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BETA ALPHA – STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK hosted a number of virtual community service and philanthropy events, like sending virtual cards to patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and a local veterans home. Virtual game nights or sister trivia has kept the chapter connected.

BETA BETA – THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY participated in virtual recruitment in early 2020 and welcomed twenty-five new members into the chapter. Sisters have enjoyed virtual events like PowerPoint nights, Netflix parties, and workout classes via Zoom.

BETA GAMMA – FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE AT FLORHAM participated in a virtual 5K for a local food pantry in Morristown, N.J. In February, they hosted their annual philanthropy week, Red Week, to raise money for the American Heart Association, in memory of a chapter sister who passed from heart disease years ago. One of the events, held virtually, was “Talking Spit,” where each participant would tell five jokes over three rounds in order to get sisters to spit out their water and laugh.

NEWS |

briefs

BETA DELTA – MUSKINGUM COLLEGE

BETA CHI – MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE

was able to return to campus in the fall of 2020 and participated in a successful virtual recruitment. The chapter also held a donation drive for the Josh Knight House, a transitional treatment house which aids men in the Akron area dealing with substance abuse who are transitioning back to normal life from rehabilitation, homelessness, and jail.

participated in recruitment and held a chapter development activity where sisters practiced preparing for careers and dressing for success.

BETA EPSILON – SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY held three virtual recruitment events and welcomed the Beta Tau New Member Class.

BETA THETA – ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE enjoyed a sister getaway weekend last fall, where they played games and enjoyed a campfire. The chapter has been able to plan fundraisers and philanthropy events and has resumed inperson recruitment.

BETA LAMBDA – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT has conducted all business virtually since last year, including chapter meetings and all sisterhood, philanthropy, and community service events. The chapter has enjoyed multiple sisterhood game nights and chapter development events. They welcomed ten new women into the chapter during recruitment. The chapter has been able to hold fundraisers, including one for a local puppy training service. The women also wrote letters to many local and national organizations during the past year.

BETA PSI – MERRIMACK COLLEGE enjoyed a Galentine’s Day sisterhood event, where sisters held a secret gift exchange and bought Valentine’s Day gifts for each other. They were happy to be able to share happiness with each other during the event, even if they weren’t always in-person.

BETA OMEGA – KEAN UNIVERSITY held a mental health education program. The chapter also participated in Meet the Greeks and other recruitment events.

GAMMA ALPHA – PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE was excited to host a celebration this past fall for the new members from the spring semester, since they were not able to celebrate in-person back in the spring. Sisters recently enjoyed a game night and dinner with chapter alumnae.

GAMMA GAMMA – KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY

BETA XI – WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

recently finished their spring recruitment. The chapter has also enjoyed many virtual sisterhood nights, like TikTok challenge night, PowerPoint night, a Netflix party, and even Zumba. They also sponsored a Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser. During the fall semester, the chapter held a mental health meeting so sisters could voluntarily come and enjoy activities based on self-love and learning about how to take care of themselves. Lastly, the chapter hosted a philanthropy Instagram bingo game, as well as cosponsored a dental supply donation drive for a local homeless shelter.

held a retreat where new members and sisters were able to enjoy team bonding exercises and learn more about each other. They have also hosted virtual events to keep alumnae and collegians connected.

GAMMA DELTA – ROWAN UNIVERSITY successfully held virtual chapter meetings, sisterhood events, and recruitment! Their main priority throughout the pandemic has been working on their strong sisterhood and staying positive.

BETA SIGMA – RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

GAMMA EPSILON – SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY

BETA NU – FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY welcomed twelve new women from spring recruitment. The chapter has enjoyed many sisterhood events including beach yoga and tie-dye.

participated in fall and spring virtual recruitments, which were both very successful. The chapter also held numerous sisterhood and philanthropy events.

BETA UPSILON – ST. LEO UNIVERSITY has enjoyed lots of sisterhood time in the past year. The chapter came up with a new recruitment event, Theta Phi Sleepover, which allows potential new members to feel like they are already sisters and shows them that recruitment isn’t such a scary process. They also hosted a sisterhood charcuterie boards night, where groups of sisters competed to make different kinds of snack boards.

held a Galantine’s Day big/little reveal.

GAMMA ZETA – TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE enjoyed a sisterhood night and philanthropy night for recruitment.

GAMMA ETA – PRATT INSTITUTE currently has three women going through new member education. The chapter has participated in virtual recruitment and chapter meetings, and held an online art sale fundraiser using their own artwork. They donated a number of digital art pieces to the Sexual Assault Response Team at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center to help provide and create a safe space for survivors of sexual assault.

GAMMA KAPPA – WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY held sisterhood and recruitment events.

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NEWS |

briefs

GAMMA LAMBDA – SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

DELTA DELTA – ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

participated in hybrid virtual/in-person recruitment and welcomed 14 women. The chapter held numerous events this past year, including virtual workout classes, movie nights, game nights, and cooking/baking nights over Zoom.

hosted several Zoom recruitment events, as well as a Valentine's Day sisterhood event, a chapter development, and a virtual mixer with a fraternity.

GAMMA MU – CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

welcomed four new women from recruitment. The chapter also sponsored a frozen yogurt fundraiser and enjoyed a sisterhood dinner.

welcomed four new women in fall 2020. Fourteen sisters also made the Dean’s List. The chapter sponsored their annual 5K in memory of Mary King Dyson, GM. Sisters participated in a local adopt-a-highway program where the chapter adopted a twomile stretch of a local highway. The chapter implemented a new diversity, equity, and inclusion position.

GAMMA NU – ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY enjoyed sisterhood bingo, paint your letters night, and a mental health seminar.

GAMMA OMICRON – UTICA COLLEGE sponsored a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They have been hosting and participating in virtual events on their campus as well. The chapter continues to keep one of the highest collective GPAs for Greek organizations on campus.

GAMMA PI – ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY - STATEN ISLAND enjoyed a sisterhood movie night and game night.

GAMMA RHO – SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY participated in both in-person and virtual recruitment events. Enjoyed a “get to know your sisters better” workshop.

GAMMA PHI – INDIANA UNIVERSITY - SOUTH BEND enjoyed sisterhood events.

GAMMA CHI – STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY participated in spring recruitment and held quarantine bingo, game night, Buzzfeed quizzes, tea and tin yoga, and playlist making events.

GAMMA PSI – PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY welcomed four new women in the fall of 2020. The chapter also participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention, a sisterhood retreat, a food pantry drive, and an Amazing Race fundraiser.

GAMMA OMEGA – TRINE UNIVERSITY recently welcomed fourteen new members! They also held a big/little reveal and sponsored their annual Big Man on Campus fundraiser. The event raised around $7,000 for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

DELTA ALPHA – STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT PLATTSBURGH has enjoyed and sponsored lots of virtual events this year, including sisterhood events, Bid Day, a clothing drive, Chipotle fundraiser, and apple picking at Bankers Orchard. The chapter also held a toy drive for Ted-K Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y., which resulted in $600 worth of toy donations.

DELTA BETA – ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE was able to enjoy some socially distanced, outdoor hangouts when the weather was warmer. During the colder months, the chapter held virtual sisterhood nights, including game nights over Zoom.

DELTA GAMMA – LYNN UNIVERSITY enjoyed a mood board sisterhood night and learned more about each other. The chapter also held a fundraiser and raised $800. 28

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DELTA EPSILON – RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

DELTA ZETA – ST. CLOUD UNIVERSITY enjoyed a mixer with another sorority on campus.

DELTA ETA – SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY has been busy with lots of philanthropy and fundraising events. The chapter focused on giving back to those in need and making their community better! They kicked off their philanthropic events last year starting with raising money for Salem State’s first ever virtual Relay for Life. The chapter raised over $500 and placed second on the leaderboard. They also sponsored a Pie-a-Theta Phi fundraiser, which raised over $2,500 for Lifebridge, an organization which helps the needs of the homeless and under-housed in the Salem area. Lastly, the chapter hosted a hazing prevention presentation with other Greek organizations.

DELTA THETA – HARTWICK COLLEGE held both a movie night and trivia night recruitment events. The chapter has the highest GPA of any Greek organization on campus!

DELTA KAPPA – HOBART & WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE celebrated Galentine’s Day with goodie bags delivered to each chapter sister.

DELTA LAMBDA – MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY participated in recruitment and welcomed sixteen new women. The chapter hosted a sisterhood movie night and Guess Who game night.

DELTA MU – MARIAN UNIVERSITY enjoyed a sisterhood retreat, service event, and a sisterhood game night.

DELTA NU – BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY recruited two new women to join the chapter, and enjoyed two virtual sisterhood nights, a game night, and a movie night.

DELTA XI – MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY was installed in November 2020 as QFA’s first virtual Installation! The chapter has held many sisterhood events, various workshops, and multiple drives to help the Cincinnati homeless population.

DELTA OMICRON – SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY has been fully virtual the whole year but were able to continue with recruitment and fulfilling their tasks as an emerging chapter, and were recently installed as a chapter! The chapter has continued to hold recruitment events and looks forward to more sisters joining. They have enjoyed a Guess Who game night, sister speed dating, Kahoot game night, and Cards for Camp Friendship event.

NEWS |

alumnae association

briefs

NEWS BRIEFS

AKRON AREA

MADISON AREA

had to postpone their monthly breakfast socials, but were able to return to a few in-person breakfasts last summer. The association’s president, Pam Chatelain, S, opened up her newly-renovated garage for sisters to enjoy a fall luncheon and elections. The association also called some older sisters so they didn’t feel isolated during the pandemic. They also enjoyed a memorial mass at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron to honor their Eternal Chapter sisters and celebrate Sigma Chapter/Akron Area’s 90th anniversary.

was able to meet in-person one time and enjoyed sisterhood time, as well as a few virtual sisterhood events, like playing online games. They enjoyed making brackets for The Bachelor.

CENTRAL FLORIDA AREA

NEW ORLEANS AREA has continued to meet virtually and adhere to local guidelines. They enjoyed a murder mystery virtual sisterhood event in August. Members of the alumnae association also participated in the QFA Foundation’s Theta Phive K and summer auction, virtual Officer Leadership Training, and Compass Connections.

NEW YORK CITY

enjoyed sisterhood time at Sharks Underwater Grill in SeaWorld and a holiday gift exchange and lunch at Columbia in St. Augustine. They also participated in a “Christmas in July” gift exchange.

hosted their annual holiday celebration virtually via Zoom and had a very successful coquito making demonstration and sisterhood time. The association has been active on Instagram this year. They are in the process of setting up their March event.

CENTRAL OHIO

enjoyed a virtual social in February and plan on doing another virtual event in April. The association has formed a social and philanthropy committee that is in the process of planning many things in the future.

held a “Christmas in July” event and had participants in nine states. They also launched a newsletter and hosted virtual yoga. They were able to hold one in-person happy hour before the pandemic hit.

CHICAGO AREA sisters were excited to continue their long-standing tradition of Stocking Stuffer with an outdoor, limited-attendance event on an unseasonably warm Saturday. They have also formed a GOLD team with graduates of the last decade to help chart their course for the future.

FLINT AREA has focused on individual outreach and support of their sisters this year. They grew their membership by nearly 30%(!), and also held a virtual happy hour. The association has several members serve the local chapter’s advisory board and continue to support them at events and financially.

GREATER CINCINNATI has enjoyed virtual happy hours and welcomed their newest sisters at Mount St. Joseph University’s (virtual) Initiation and Installation. Many of their members have enjoyed taking on volunteer roles in the Fraternity.

LINCOLN AREA participated in the virtual Founders’ Day Celebration in April and was able to have their annual meeting via Zoom in November. Sisters were able to have socially distanced gatherings in local parks during the summer months.

NORTHEASTERN NEBRASKA

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY enjoyed an end-of-summer sisterhood gift exchange and held their annual election meeting. The association also sponsored a “Socktober” philanthropy event in October for the Crescent Hearts Foundation, where they published an Amazon wish list and asked sisters, family, and friends to donate socks and other toiletry items. Over 200 pairs of socks, plus additional toiletries, were donated to Crescent Hearts to pass out to the homeless population in New Jersey.

PHILADELPHIA AREA has been busy holding monthly virtual happy hours and connecting with sisters online.

SOUTH FLORIDA is working on a reorganization of their alumnae association. The association currently has twelve members and is working with Delta Gamma and Beta Nu Chapters. They are looking forward to expanding the association, gaining more members, and continuing to work with the two local chapters. * Updates included from chapters and alumnae associations were as of February 1, 2021.

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BETWEEN BIRTHS Lauren Lewis Steakley, AZ, son Colleen Baines Remejka, BB, son Karen Montecuollo, BB, son

sisters

Jessica Silva Greene, BB, son Nicole Simone Pieroni, BB, son Mandy Baker Hartdegen, BE, son

Lindsay Lincoln Catlett, GN, daughter

Brittany Hamor, M, to Brian Andersen Nicole Simone, BB, to Daniel Pieroni Amanda O'Brien, BC, to Jerry Menke

Allison Luttrell, BU, to Shane Baldwin

Noreen Johnson Scheuble, P Mary Theresa Pierotti Stacknick, R Florence Seese Simons, R Carole Castner Evans, S Marie Klocker White, S Nancy Baumann Tinley, C Mary Haselton Pazderka, C

Elizabeth Hickman Davis, C Rebecca Hyde, AA Alma Soignier Weilbaecher, AB Amelia Gaillard, BW Amber Koter, GA

Marie Abbinanti Urban, AG, husband Elizabeth Cibulskis Eberhart, AG, mother-in-law Patricia Fell Cramer, AG, husband

Carol Rooney Craig, AG, son Jennifer Smith-Hunter, AM, father Cristin Miller Brown, AY, father-in-law

MARRIAGES Kelli Highnam, E, to Chris Hulse Taylor Kenney, E, to Jared Schaaf Kate Glow, C, to Garret Schram

ETERNAL CHAPTER Joan Merhar Schulick, D Carol DeCourcy Coors, E Josephine Degaro DeSalvo, E Mary Gilich Myers, Z Frances Pavlik Flanagan, K Jane Griffin Copeland, L Mary Kay Hueber (Ditch), L

SY MPAT H Y Lauren Haddix Christensen, E, mother Lindsay Helmers Herrmann, E, husband Patricia Cassin Sir, Y, husband

Share announcements of child births, marriages, sympathies, and deaths through our form online: https://www.thetaphialpha.org/Intranet/Resources/General/Between-Sisters

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THETA PHI ALPHA

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COMPASS Boardwalk in Staten Island, N.Y. – submitted by Kristin Mauer Rodriquez, BA

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sightings