Themis—Spring 2017

Scholarship List · Spring 2017 · 1

From Where I Sit

with Dr. Darcy L. Russell

Spring 2017 Vol. 115 No. 3 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) 3450 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 872-0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org

STAFF Editor Ellen Crawford Graphic Designer Kahlie Cannon Director of Communication Ashley Sherman Contributors Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Susan Beard, Delta Psi Kaelin Beaty, Eta Tau Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi Haley Williams, Gamma Zeta

NATIONAL COUNCIL National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Vice President Collegiate I Raechel Bennett Biggs, Delta Gamma Vice President Collegiate II Lynn Compton Chapman, Alpha Nu Vice President Collegiate III Shannon Ferguson, Alpha Psi Vice President Alumnae I Dana Brasington Atkinson, Delta Omicron Vice President Alumnae II Alicia Patten Williams, Theta Psi Secretary-Treasurer Franlyna Barrett Charles, Zeta Iota National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Laura Ladewig Mauro, Theta Psi Extension Director Dolores Gonzales Gastineau, Theta Omega

2 · THEMIS · Scholarship List

One of my favorite songs, “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs, sums up my feelings about both my collegiate and alumnae experiences in Zeta Tau Alpha. One verse says: “These are days you’ll remember. Never before and never since, I promise, will the whole world be warm as this. And as you feel it, you’ll know it’s true that you are blessed and lucky. It’s true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.”

I am both blessed and lucky to have served ZTA in many ways. Each time I have heard the call and said “yes,” my love for our Fraternity has grown.

After finishing my Ph.D., I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. I knew no one and I was a little scared, so I called the local District President who helped me connect with an alumnae chapter. The North Carolina Zetas welcomed this Kansas girl with open hearts and gave me the privilege of helping with the colonization of Iota Phi Chapter at North Carolina State University.

What an amazing way to start my alumnae journey.

In 2001, after I had moved back to Kansas and served as a chapter advisor, Trixy Swearingen Brill asked me to become Province President XIV–B. Working with my collegiate chapter (Sigma, Baker University), as well as Alpha Mu (Washburn University), Delta Chi (William Jewell College) and Kappa Eta (Rockhurst University) chapters is still on my list of the top ten best things I’ve ever done. The collegiate women I met in those chapters during the six years of my term gave me hope for the future. They were eager to serve others and longed to make a difference in their chapters, on their campuses and in the world. I was proud of the work we did together.

Near the end of my term, I heard the call again, this time from National Panhellenic Conference. Since 2006, I have served both ZTA and NPC as a member of our delegation and two NPC committees. This experience has deepened my understanding of the role ZTA plays in the fraternity/sorority community. I am excited to see ZTA’s impact evolve and grow as our sister, Malaea Nelms Seleski, becomes the Vice Chairman of NPC in October.

People ask why I stay so involved with my sorority after all these years. One answer is easy: I love ZTA. But, this is not the whole story. I serve because I want the same thing as our collegiate women. I want to make a difference in the world. ZTA has given me the opportunity to lead young women toward lives of purpose, caring and service. I cannot express how privileged I feel.

The Creed tells us “to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit.” My ZTA sisters feed my spirit by encouraging me to take on new challenges, by picking me up if I stumble and by sharing my joy when I succeed. I am blessed and lucky.

ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION President Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, Epsilon Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron pg. 22

Contents

F EAT U RED I N THIS ISSUE:

Myths busted: Zeta in a new city

ZTA finds perfect location for International Office

BY: HALEY WILLIAMS, GAMMA ZETA

BY: CHRISTY MARX BARBER, ALPHA PSI

15

For recent graduates, joining an alumnae chapter can be intimidating, but doing so can make all the difference for young alumnae in a new city.

Hear your call: What kind of volunteer are you?

BY: ELLEN CRAWFORD, EDITOR

22

There are many ways women of all ages can volunteer to serve ZTA. How are you being called?

Take the quiz to find out and read more about available opportunities.

2

From Where I Sit

4

Things We Zeta Love

6

Noble Achievements

34

The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation has found the new home of IO. Read more about the renovations being made to make the new building ideal for our growing Fraternity.

Join the Maud Squad

Secretary Anne Petro Tamulaitis, Alpha Kappa Directors at Large Susan Beard, Delta Psi Kristine Fleming, Eta Theta Susan Brown Long, Gamma Iota Karen Farmer Mills, Gamma Iota Terri Dew Millsap, Alpha Nu Julie Ward Moxley, Theta Sigma Leah Fields Ozment, Nu Casey Guimbellot Pash, Iota Chi Christine Flora Walter, Gamma Chi Karla Lundgren Wheeler, Psi Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Franlyna Barrett Charles, Zeta Iota Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta

ZTA FOUNDATION

BY: ASHLEY SHERMAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

36

Zetas aged 40 and under can now become part of the Maud Squad. Read about the first member of the squad and find out how you can join, too.

President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Vice President of Philanthropy Sherry Server Tilley, Zeta Alpha Vice President of Scholarship Catherine G. Slaughter, Alpha Eta Vice President of Special Events Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma Secretary/Treasurer Kay Dill Kreutzer, Eta Rho Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Franlyna Barrett Charles, Zeta Iota Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron

11 Profiles 20 Meet the Newest TLCs 32 National Panhellenic Conference News 38 Points of Pride 40 Archives

pg. 11 Scholarship List · Spring 2017 · 3

Things We

Zeta Love

I Heard the Call

“I Hear the Call of Zeta” Lyrics

Serving as one of the Membership Advisors for Kappa Eta Chapter (Rockhurst University) proved to me how much fun it is to give back to ZTA. During Primary Recruitment, the collegians’ personalities truly shine.

Last year, I transitioned to become the chapter’s General Advisor. My favorite part of working with this chapter is getting to know the women during their collegiate years. The chapter has a wonderful spirit that has not changed in decades. They all have cell phones and laptops now, but these women continue to live by The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha.

For the 2016–2018 biennium, National Council has chosen the theme, “Hear the Call,” inspired by the song, “I Hear the Call of Zeta,” which first appeared in the Fraternity songbook at ZTA’s 50th anniversary Convention in 1948. The song, which was written by members of Alpha Tau Chapter (University of Minnesota), was originally entered in a song-writing contest in 1946. Despite the fact that it only received an honorable mention, the song gained popularity within ZTA and has been sung at the end of Pledge and Big Sister services for the past 40 years.

The many dedicated volunteers who serve ZTA are often described as Zetas who have “heard the call.” The biennium theme aims to celebrate the many ways these women use their gifts of time, talent and service to move the Fraternity forward. Revisit the lyrics below, and discover how ZTA is calling you to be ever loyal to the Fraternity.

Molly Guignon, Kappa Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University

Celebrate with ZTA “Happy #BadgeDay17 . So honored to represent the best Fraternity out there as a #ztatlc! ZTA gave me so much as a collegian and even more as an alumna. Couldn’t be more grateful to wear this badge.”

Coryn Owens Theta Sigma Chapter Winthrop University 4 · THEMIS · Things We Zeta Love

“Happy International Women’s Day from the sisters who inspire us to be our best every single day .”

Delta Alpha Chapter California State University, Long Beach

Scholarship List · Spring 2017 · 5

Noble Achievements

As Zeta Tau Alpha’s mission states, the Fraternity “emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth for women.” It’s no surprise, then, that our members are doing amazing things within ZTA and out in their communities. From winning awards and being selected for competitive internships around the world to making a difference in the lives of others and celebrating years of sisterhood, these members are making ZTA proud. Do you know a collegiate or alumnae sister who should be featured? Ask your chapter Historian to include her story in your chapter’s next Chapter News Report, due May 1, or email the Communication Department at International Office at news@zetataualpha.org. * denotes alumnae member

1

MOLLY BANKUTI Lambda Zeta Chapter Lehigh University

also the Treasurer of the Northern Arizona Alumnae Chapter.

Over the summer, Molly Bankuti interned for EducationUSA, a branch of the U.S. Department of State, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As an education development intern, Molly advised local students on applying for American schools, writing English essays and preparing for standardized tests.

*SHELLY GLEATON BLAIR Zeta Xi Chapter Georgia Southern University

*CINDY TABOR BECKETT Zeta Sigma Chapter The University of Texas at Arlington

2 6 · THEMIS · Spotlights

For the fourth time, Dr. Cindy Beckett was named an Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year.

She won in 2004 for Distinguished Nurse of the Year; in 2009 for Research and Advancing the Practice; in 2015 for Nursing Leadership, Administration and Management; and in 2016 for Evidence-Based Practice and Research. Cindy was recognized for her role in implementing evidence-based practice across Arizona through the Arizona Action Coalition and the Governor’s Substance Abuse Task Force. She is

Shelly Blair received the 2016 Outstanding New Teacher of the Year Award from the Walton County School District in Monroe, Georgia. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from The University of Georgia and spent three summers teaching in Italy.

Shelly currently serves as the Vice President of Membership of the Athens, GA Alumnae Chapter.

1 CRYSTAL BROCKINGTON Lambda Nu Chapter Furman University Junior communications studies and political science major Crystal Brockington received the Furman Metropolitan Fellowship. The award will help Crystal pursue a broadcast news internship in New York City this summer by giving her professional assistance with her resume and interview skills. She will also receive a stipend for living expenses.

ABBY AND GABBY BURBARY Beta Phi Chapter Michigan State University Identical twins and ZTA sisters Abby and Gabby Burbary are the founders and owners of Bella Gemelli, an online boutique and brand. The juniors donate five percent of their net profits to a nonprofit called Graham’s Foundation, which supports premature babies and their families.

2 HANNAH BURTON Iota Omega Chapter University of Maryland As the recipient of a scholarship from the Association for Women in Sports Media, senior Hannah Burton had the opportunity to intern in CNN’s Sports Department in Atlanta, Georgia, during the summer of 2016. The award also allowed her to attend the AWSM Convention in Miami in July. Hannah is a broadcast journalism major at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. *JAIME ISOM CALDWELL Eta Rho Chapter The University of North Alabama In August, Jaime Caldwell was published in EP Lab Digest, a medical journal for professionals in electrophysiology, a specialty in the field of cardiology. Jaime is an EP nurse at The Heart Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she is also a member of the Huntsville, AL Alumnae Chapter. In her article, “Overcoming Common Challenges in the EP Lab: The Nurse’s Perspective,” Jaime shared ways EP professionals can better serve their patients by managing common issues.

3 *KATHY DEVAULT Eta Kappa Chapter University of Central Florida Following the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Florida, alumna Kathy DeVault sprang into action. As the

Director of Strategic Partnerships for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Kathy coordinated the Family Assistance Center, which connected the injured victims and the families of those who lost their lives with area agencies that were able to offer information, support and resources.

4 *JENNIFER HALE-KUPIEC ESTABROOK Iota Sigma Chapter Old Dominion University Despite only teaching at the highschool level for two years, Jennifer Estabrook was named the lead science teacher for her content area at her school. Jennifer, who is the Historian of the Tidewater, VA Alumnae Chapter, has also been awarded nearly $1,000 in classroom funding for various projects, including an indoor plant nursery/greenhouse she will use to teach her students about environmental science concepts. She is pictured (center) with a group of her students.

3

KAYLA EVANS Beta Iota Chapter Centenary College of Louisiana As part of her internship with the Shreveport (Louisiana) Symphony Orchestra, senior Kayla Evans wrote a grant proposal for musician funding. Because of her hard work, the proposal was approved for the first time in years.

4

5 *DEB BAIRD GARRETT Eta Omicron Chapter Western Illinois University In March, Dr. Deb Garrett will be recognized as a Diamond Honoree at the American College Personnel Association Convention in Columbus, Ohio, for her outstanding contributions to higher education and student affairs. Deb is the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Arkansas State University–Beebe and the president of the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.

5 Spotlights · Spring 2017 · 7

6

7 MAGGIE GRIFFIN Alpha Zeta Chapter The Ohio State University Senior Maggie Griffin won the President’s Prize, Ohio State University’s highest award for students committed to social change. In addition to a $50,000 stipend for living expenses, Maggie will receive $50,000 for The Unity Fridge Program, which aims to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to children living in food deserts. The program will connect community gardens and restaurants with refrigerators that will be placed around schools in Columbus, Ohio, giving kids access to locally-grown produce. Maggie will also create an on-campus garden that will be managed by OSU students and faculty to support the mission of The Unity Fridge Program.

6 *MELINDA HEARN Gamma Zeta Chapter Mississippi State University Through her position as the executive director of the Jackson (Tennessee) Arts Council, Melinda Hearn helped organize and lead a creative project that brought her community together. To brighten the downtown landscape, local artists contributed to a mural in 8 · THEMIS · Spotlights

8

the style of a vintage postcard in which each letter in “Jackson” was filled with images that represent town landmarks and points of pride for the community. Melinda, who is the President of the Jackson, TN Alumnae Chapter, partnered with another nonprofit to recruit artists to participate, and she painted the “N” herself. (Photo credit: Becca Rogers, Beta Omega Chapter, Union University) 7 *TAMHRA HUTCHINS-FRYE Theta Theta Chapter Arkansas Tech University Over the summer, Tamhra Hutchins-Frye was promoted to brigadier general, making her the Arkansas Air National Guard’s first female general. Tamhra, who serves as the director of staff for the Arkansas Air National Guard, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013.

9 *DONA MCEACHERN JADWIN AND *MARGARET SOPER MACKEY Beta Tau Chapter Albion College Chapter sisters Dona Jadwin and Margaret Mackey still get together nearly 75 years after they became a Big/Little Sister pair. By exchanging letters and birthday gifts over the years, the two have proven

that Zeta Is Forever. The 94- and 93-year-old Zetas recently reunited in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and enjoyed reminiscing about their ZTA experience.

8 MELISSA JOHNSON Beta Delta Chapter Miami University Along with other architecture students from Miami University, junior Melissa Johnson spent six weeks designing and building a community center for a small village in Ghana. Melissa and her group had the opportunity to interact with the locals and experience different cultures before constructing the 3,500-square-foot space in just 21 days.

10 PARKER JONES Theta Sigma Chapter Winthrop University Senior Parker Jones spent a large portion of her summer break on mission trips in Kenya and Ecuador. In Kenya, Parker worked with an organization called Shepherd’s Little Lambs, which supports children who have been affected by poverty and HIV/ AIDS, and volunteered at a hospital for children with disabilities. In

Ecuador, Parker and her group finished interior work on a community building they started working on during previous visits (this was her third trip to the area).

11 *SARA SCALZO MANSON Delta Delta Chapter Baldwin Wallace University

9

Sara Manson, who recently celebrated 15 years with Loyola University Maryland, was promoted to Director of Student Engagement.

In her new position, Sara connects undergraduate students to the Loyola community through new student orientation, class-year programming and leadership development. She is also the President of the Baltimore City, MD Alumnae Chapter.

ANNE NELSON AND *CARLA WHITE Gamma Rho Chapter Auburn University

10

In an unusual twist of fate, two sisters initiated into Gamma Rho Chapter 22 years apart met at the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, Georgia, more than 100 miles away from Auburn University. Alumna Carla White, who was participating in outpatient therapy for a neurological disorder that has left her paralyzed from the waist down, overheard collegian Anne Nelson, who was injured in a car accident, mention turquoise and gray, and she knew that could only mean one thing. The two instantly bonded over their shared ZTA connection and became a source of support for one another. *SAMANTHA NEMECEK Alpha Phi Chapter Northwestern University

11

In September, Samantha Nemecek was inducted into Northwestern University’s Athletics Hall of Fame for women’s fencing. During her college career, Samantha won 430 bouts, set a school record, received a Big Ten Medal of Honor and was named All-American four times.

*LISA MCGRADY PELLEGRIN Theta Chi Chapter George Mason University In October, Lisa Pellegrin released her new book “Dystortions: 100 Hues of Purple,” which is the first in a series she is publishing under the pen name Lisa Pell.

The “Dystortions” series revolves around “mystery, murder and love in a parallel universe.” This is Lisa’s second book. *DEBBIE DAWS ROBERTSON Theta Gamma Chapter Texas A&M University In April, Debbie Robertson will be honored as an outstanding community volunteer by The Prenatal Clinic in Bryan-College Station, Texas. She was chosen by the clinic’s board of directors. Debbie is a member of the Bryan-College Station, TX Alumnae Chapter and the General Advisor for Theta Gamma Chapter at Texas A&M University.

ALAINA R. SMITH Kappa Chapter The University of Texas at Austin Senior Alaina Smith presented her research on basaltic glasses from the Axial Seamount, which she conducted under Dr. James E. Gardner and Ph.D. candidate Brent A. Jackson, at the Geological Society of America’s annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. Following graduation, Alaina plans to pursue a master’s degree in geochemistry. *BARBARA COOK GREEN SWINTON Alpha Upsilon Chapter Oklahoma State University In September, Judge Barbara Swinton was selected by the governor of Oklahoma to serve on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Barbara, who serves as the Panhellenic Delegate of the Oklahoma City, OK Alumnae Chapter, previously served as a district court judge for 14 years and as a special judge in Oklahoma County for six years before that.

Spotlights · Spring 2017 · 9

12 OLIVIA TOLBERD Delta Chi Chapter William Jewell College Despite the fact that she is only a sophomore, Olivia Tolberd has had an impressive collegiate volleyball career. Last season, she became William Jewell’s first volleyball player since the school joined NCAA Division II, and only the third player in more than a decade, to reach 1,000 career digs. She was also the school’s first player to be named First Team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference.

13 *SHANNON GRINNAN WEEKS Omicron Chapter Brenau University In 2016, Shannon Weeks was named System Teacher of the Year for

Buford City Schools (Georgia).

She has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialist’s degree in Teacher Leadership, and she is currently working toward her doctorate. This year marks her 10th year teaching. Shannon, who is a member of the Gainesville, GA Alumnae Chapter and General Advisor for Omicron Chapter (Brenau University), recently received her ZTA Certificate of Merit. *PAT WHITELY Gamma Alpha Chapter University of Miami University of Miami’s Dr. Pat Whitely will be the recipient of the 2017 James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award at the Faculty Senate Awards Ceremony in April. The senate voted unanimously for Pat, who has served as the Vice President

12

for Student Affairs for 20 years. The university’s Student Government Executive Board also honored Pat by establishing the Patricia A. Whitely Unsung Hero Award in 2012.

14 *ETA IOTA CHAPTER ALUMNAE Valdosta State University After reconnecting on Facebook, 33 Eta Iota Chapter alumnae gathered on Amelia Island in Florida for a reunion last fall. The women spent the weekend reminiscing, singing ZTA songs, lounging on the beach and shopping. Over dinner one night, the sisters also honored the six charter members who were present. Many of those in attendance were initiated in the 70s, but the group hopes to see Eta Iota Chapter alumnae from across the decades at the next reunion.

13

14 10 · THEMIS · Spotlights

MORE ABOUT

TOGO

Collegian works to improve HEA LTH CAR E IN TO G O Golda Houndoh (Gamma Nu Chapter, University of Virginia) is like any other smart, compassionate Zeta. But unlike most of her ZTA sisters, Golda is not only determined to change the world, she’s already on track to do it—starting with the small country in Africa where she was born.

Moving to America

Togo is a multilingual country with about 39 languages. The official language is French, but Ewé is an indigenous language that was politically designated as an official language in 1975. Golda, who spoke both while living in Togo, continued to learn and speak Ewé growing up and has since continued practicing French.

In Lomé, the capital city of Togo, Golda’s mother worked as a nurse and her father as a translator. When Golda was just five years old, however, her family moved to the United States. It wasn’t an easy transition.

Her parents’ academics, and therefore their professions, didn’t transfer, and they had to rebuild from nothing.

Why go to the trouble of moving to a new country and starting over? Golda was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia before she was two years old, and her parents were determined to move to the U.S. to have access to better health care for her. Fourteen years later, the provision of health care services is what’s motivating Golda to return to her birth country.

Hannah Graham Memorial Award Golda has been back to Togo just twice since she was five years old. Her most recent trip was over winter break during the 2015–2016 academic year. That trip not only helped her rediscover her roots, but it also inspired her mission.

Togo may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but, according to Golda, what it lacks in size, it makes up for with its beauty. It’s not just the landscape that makes Togo beautiful. Golda said the people exude a “happiness that I feel fortunate to come from.”

While there, Golda visited the same hospital in which she was born and volunteered in the neonatal unit. As a prospective Global Development Studies major, Golda immediately noticed the disparity. When she returned to campus after the trip, she was adamant about making a change for new mothers in Togo. One of her professors recommended she apply for the Hannah Graham Memorial Award, which she, and two other students, ultimately won.

The award, named for a student who passed away in 2014, will allow Golda to address health care challenges in the country by

conducting a community-focused health impacts study—and she’ll have help. One of the other award winners is Nadjad NikabouSalifou, who is also from Togo. Though they hadn’t met prior to starting school, and they did not apply jointly for the award, they had similar goals for making change in their native country and will be working together in Togo to assess need and provide important data for advancements in hospitals.

Sister support From her visit to Togo to applying for—and ultimately receiving—the award, Golda’s ZTA sisters have been there for support.

There were many times when she doubted herself, but there was always a sister to provide encouragement.

Concerned that she’d failed her interview for the award, Golda retreated to the ZTA house to seek comfort from her sisters. Later, Golda was at the ZTA house when she was notified that she’d been selected, and she was able to celebrate that special moment with her sisters.

“They are my family, and the feeling of making your family proud is overwhelming and spectacular,” Golda said.

Golda Houndoh Gamma Nu Chapter University of Virginia

Working TO GETH E R

by Kaelin Beaty, Eta Tau COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND GENERAL ADVISOR TEAM UP As the President of Eta Tau Chapter (The University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Lauren Wohlrab (left) works with General Advisor Kelsey Thompson Gibbons (right) to make the chapter the best it can be.

In honor of Advisor Appreciation Month (April), Lauren, a junior

Q& A Q It’s early in Lauren’s term as chapter President, but what is an interesting or exciting project you have worked on together so far?

A Kelsey: The biggest project we have worked on so far has been onboarding the new Executive Committee and working together to unify them as a team.

Lauren: Onboarding our new Executive Committee has been fun this year. We have members who are first-year Executive Committee officers, and Kelsey and I have been able to help them establish their leadership styles.

12 · THEMIS · Profiles

at UNC Charlotte, and Kelsey, an alumna of Eta Lambda Chapter (College of Charleston) and former Traveling Leadership Consultant, sat down with Eta Tau Chapter member and ZTA contributing writer Kaelin Beaty to discuss how they take full advantage of the collegiate officer/advisor relationship to meet chapter goals and enhance the ZTA experience for the entire chapter.

Lauren Wohlrab Eta Tau Chapter The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Q How has your experience as an alumna or collegian helped when working on projects together?

A Kelsey: My experience with being involved in ZTA for eight years, serving as a leader in my collegiate chapter and being a Traveling Leadership Consultant has allowed me to better support Lauren as we work together.

Lauren: This is my second year on Executive Committee, which helped during onboarding.

Because of my previous experience, I was able to better lead our current Executive Committee to further developing their ideas for their positions.

Q Why is the relationship between collegiate chapter officers and advisors important?

A Kelsey: Being an advisor, truly, keeps you young. Advisors give collegiate officers a resource to help lead their own chapters.

The role allows advisors to watch chapters grow and accomplish so much. It’s a completely rewarding experience.

Lauren: Advisors help collegians mature throughout their leadership term. Advisors also provide more knowledge about Zeta Tau Alpha that officers would not have without their help.

Q How has your relationship with one another contributed to your overall ZTA experience?

A Kelsey: It’s interesting getting to know different collegiate members each year because every Executive Committee is a new experience.

Since I’ve been advising Lauren, she has contributed to my own self-growth in Zeta Tau Alpha, and she often keeps me grounded.

Lauren: Kelsey challenges me to see points of view from different chapter members.

She helps me to keep an open mind when making decisions by letting me learn from these other perspectives. Also, she’s an outlet for me when I don’t know who else to get advice from or talk to about a situation.

Q How will you work as a team to accomplish Eta Tau Chapter’s goals this year?

A Kelsey: It will be important for us to continue leaning on one another throughout the year and being an outlet for each other.

I look forward to us trusting

each other as we work to always accomplish goals as a team.

Lauren: I think we will be a team this year by relying on each other when things get tough. Our personalities balance each other out well, so I think we will work great together to continually improve the chapter.

Q What is a favorite Zeta Tau Alpha memory you have shared with one another?

A Kelsey: Last year, when Lauren was Vice President III/ Membership Chairman, I was receiving the results of the chapter’s recruitment over my wedding weekend/honeymoon. I remember being very excited for her and proud of her hard work.

Lauren: My favorite memory with Kelsey was when we spent the weekend together at Area I Leadership Academy. We did a comparison activity to find similarities between the two of us and got to know each other better.

Q Why do you choose to serve the Fraternity as General Advisor and collegiate chapter President?

A Kelsey: I choose to be an advisor because it is a great way to give back to the Fraternity for what it gave me when I was a collegian.

After being a member of Zeta Tau Alpha for so long, I have developed so much knowledge that I can’t help but want to share with collegians.

Lauren: I choose to serve the Fraternity in my own chapter because I want to better myself and give back. I really enjoy being able to work hard for my chapter and see the positive results that come from it.

Kelsey Thompson Gibbons Eta Lambda Chapter College of Charleston Profiles · Spring 2017 · 13

Words of Wisdom from

AS HL E Y MCCO LLUM

By Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi If you’re on Facebook, you’ve probably seen the increasingly popular one-minute cooking videos that bring delicious recipes from around the world to life. Though other companies have tried to imitate the format, the media company that does these videos best is Tasty, a division of BuzzFeed with more than 82 million Facebook followers (as of early March). With such a large fan base, the General Manager of Tasty has to be insightful, proactive, and in-tune with the latest trends in digital media. Thanks to a passion for the business and a lot of hard work, alumna Ashley McCollum (Kappa Beta Chapter, Presbyterian College) fits the bill. Though her path has been unconventional, it has gotten Ashley to her current role and led to her being named to Forbes Magazine’s “30 under 30—Media” list. Ashley took time out of her busy day to share some advice with her fellow Zetas.

Take on opportunities and challenges.

Having a five-year plan can work for some, but Ashley has found success in being flexible and capitalizing on opportunities and challenges as they’ve come. In high school and college, she was interested in politics and law, but she later realized she wasn’t interested in policies as much as the media aspect of politics. This realization helped steer her toward her first job as an NBC Page and then into NBC News public relations, though she “didn’t really know what PR was or why on earth a media company needed it.” Still, it was a fit. “I was a natural and stayed there for a few years until I made the jump to BuzzFeed in 2012,” she said. Since then, Ashley has held a number of varied positions across several different teams at BuzzFeed. “I think that kind of horizontal approach is crucial for understanding a company,” she said. “Ultimately, that experience is what led to my running a vertical—Tasty. It taught me all the important communication skills and tactics to get things done across a big organization.” In short, don’t be afraid to make a lateral move to prepare yourself for a promotion down the road.

Use past experiences to your advantage.

Your experiences in ZTA aren’t just temporary; they can prepare you for long-term success. Ashley served her chapter as VP III/Membership Chairman which, she said, “really set me up nicely for a role in communications and business. It’s all about the story you tell.” The skills she used and taught the rest of the chapter to help recruit women are some of the same skills she uses to recruit employees and land advertising agreements. Further, Ashley is well-versed in making transitions and working her way up through a couple of companies, so she knows what works and what doesn’t. “Advocate for yourself and find someone who will advocate on your behalf,” she said.

Get “obsessed” and immerse yourself in what you want to do.

“You can overcome anything if you are obsessed with it,” Ashley said, speaking to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in media. This applies to learning new digital models and technology, as well as social media.

“There is a deep intellectual challenge to the work we do,” she said. “There is no playbook that tells you how to scale a digital and social business. There are not always clear answers. In fact, most of the time, there aren’t.” By committing to constantly learning and evolving her craft, however, Ashley has found her answers for success.

BUZZFEED Founded in 2006, BuzzFeed is an internet media company headquartered in New York City, with offices in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Sydney and many other large cities across the globe. BuzzFeed has two main divisions: news and entertainment. The media giant is well-known for its use of innovative content that truly connects with a vast audience, from fun personality quizzes to hard-hitting news stories.

14 · THEMIS · Profiles

By Haley Williams, Gamma Zeta

Feature · Spring 2017 · 15

C

"In an alumnae chapter, you will always find someone who knows exactly what you are going through and who can provide some support. " 16 · THEMIS · Feature

ongratulations! You’ve graduated college and moved to a new city all in a matter of months. That’s a huge accomplishment! But now what? You don’t know many people in your new city and you have to rely on Siri to get you anywhere outside of your apartment. That’s where the vast network of your Zeta Tau Alpha sisters comes in. One of the many great things about ZTA is that there are alumnae chapters all around the country.

Many young alumnae are hesitant to join an alumnae chapter right out of college because of the myths they hear about them: Alumnae chapters are only for women their grandmothers’ age, alumnae chapters don’t do anything fun, alumnae chapters take up too much time for someone new to the city, etc. If you have ever thought any of those things, read on. They are simply myths that are about to be debunked!

MYTH #1: IT’S HARD TO FIND AN ALUMNAE CHAPTER NEAR ME. You’re probably thinking, “How do I find an alumnae chapter in my area?” Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University allows recent graduates to opt into a program where their information gets distributed to District Presidents in their new areas, making it easy for those young women to get connected to alumnae chapters. Whether your collegiate chapter does something similar or not, the first thing you should do after moving to a new address is update your information on the Sisters Only site. This is the best way for the alumnae in your area to connect with you. There, you will also find contact information for the alumnae chapter President in your area. She will be your best resource for connecting to sisters who are in the same place in life as you or who have gone through a similar transition.

Do not be afraid to reach out to the Zetas in your new city and get involved right away! Many young alumnae fear they will not have the time to commit to their local chapter or that, because they do not know anyone in the chapter, they will not feel at home. Alumnae chapters love gaining new members who can participate as much or as little as they want. Some chapters even offer reduced dues for young alumnae. Plus, there are no obligations for attending events when you join. You can simply come to the events that fit your schedule; there will not be any fines or repercussions for not attending a chapter event.

MYTH #2: ALUMNAE CHAPTERS ARE FOR OLDER ZETAS. Alumnae chapters have members of all ages and backgrounds. You will have the opportunity to meet women from all walks of life and to learn from the very best. One of the biggest misconceptions young alumnae have is that alumnae chapters are made up of a bunch of women their grandmothers’ age who play bingo and knit at their meetings. This is not true at all. The officers of the Dallas Area Night Alumnae Chapter in Texas gave members a handout at their 2016 fall kickoff meeting that showed the number of women in the chapter who

fell into each age group. It showed that there are more alumnae in the chapter who have been initiated in the last 10 years than any other age group combined.

Alumnae chapters also enjoy planning events that are specifically designed for young alumnae. The Memphis, TN Alumnae Chapter hosts events called “Crowns and Cosmos” where young alumnae meet up once per month for happy hour after work, brunch or even watch parties for “The Bachelor.” One Southern California chapter likes to take advantage of being in wine country by planning wine-tasting events to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness. Young alumnae events do not have to be formally and strategically planned to be fun.

Feature · Spring 2017 · 17

MYTH #3: I HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN BY JOINING AN ALUMNAE CHAPTER. If you have moved to a new city and are looking for ways to connect, you absolutely will benefit from joining an alumnae chapter. If you don’t already have a job, an alumnae chapter can be a great network to get your resume circulating throughout the community. Once you land an interview, take a little piece of ZTA with you, like a ZTA pen to take notes. The interviewer might know someone you recently met in the alumnae chapter, which could prompt them to say something about your involvement in ZTA and give you an opportunity to impress them with your collegiate leadership experience.

If you have a job, Zetas can fill you in on the best spots to grab lunch near your new office or go shopping with you for a business casual wardrobe. Zetas who work in the same area of town can even start a “Lunch Bunch” group to meet for lunch once per month and to try new restaurants nearby.

In an alumnae chapter, you will always find someone who knows exactly what you are going through and who can provide some support. The older women in the chapter often act as mentors for young alumnae.

They have likely lived in the area for years and can help you find a new favorite brunch spot or a concert venue where you can spend your Saturday nights. If you have a cause you are particularly passionate about, alumnae can help you get involved in other volunteer organizations around town. If you are settling down and buying a house, there might be a real estate agent in your chapter who would be happy to help you. The ZTA network is never-ending!

MYTH #4: I HAVE NOTHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO AN ALUMNAE CHAPTER. Another misconception about alumnae chapters is that they do not want young women in their chapter until a few years after they have graduated.

On the contrary, Zetas just out of college help alumnae chapters succeed and remain relevant in their communities. Young people are typically more socialmedia savvy and bring fresh ideas and a rejuvenated spirit to the chapter that can attract more members.

Small things like making a Snapchat filter for the next big event or creating a Venmo account so members can pay their dues electronically really keep chapters with the times. So many of these great ideas come from and are executed by young alumnae.

18 · THEMIS · Feature

MYTH #5: I’M TOO YOUNG TO SUPPORT LOCAL COLLEGIATE SISTERS. For alumnae chapters who work with local collegiate chapters, young alumnae bridge the gap between college and adulthood. They are great role models who show collegiate members that ZTA sisterhood goes beyond college walls, like we testify in Preference ceremonies.

Young alumnae also know what is most current with collegiate chapters, because they lived it most recently.

When ZTA adopted the GIN System for alumnae chapters, young alumnae were able to help get their sisters up to speed with the technology because they had already used it with their collegiate chapters.

Young alumnae are a great resource during recruitment and even as advisors or mentors. Oftentimes, young women are eager to get involved and take on more responsibilities right after college, making them perfect for leadership roles that support local collegiate chapters.

The Statesboro, GA Alumnae Chapter partners with its local collegiate chapter to teach collegians professional skills such as résumé writing, dressing for interviews and creating the perfect LinkedIn page to attract potential employers. Young alumnae have most recently had to develop these skills, so they can pass on their knowledge to collegiate women preparing for the transition into post-graduate life.

As a recent graduate or young alumna, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local alumnae chapter officers. Take a leap of faith and join the chapter in your area. Many women can testify that they would not be where they are today had they not engaged with their local chapter.

Joining is the easiest way to help you get your bearings in your new city and to bridge the gap into the “real world.”

Head over to Sisters Only and find an alumnae chapter in your area. You’ll be glad you did!

ABOUT THE WRITER

Haley Williams (Gamma Zeta Chapter) graduated from Mississippi State University in 2013 and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There, she joined the Memphis, TN Alumnae Chapter to meet other alumnae and get involved. Since then, she has served as the alumnae chapter Vice President of Programming, Secretary and Panhellenic Delegate.

She has also been the Membership Advisor for Iota Xi Chapter at Christian Brothers University for the past three years, and she loves working with her collegiate sisters throughout the year and especially during recruitment. According to Haley, joining her local alumnae chapter was the best decision she made because doing so helped make the transition into adulthood much easier.

Feature · Spring 2017 · 19

W

ith the start of the spring semester, three new Traveling Leadership Consultants began serving the Fraternity.

After participating in training at International Office in Indianapolis, recent graduates Sharon Kleindienst, Habiba “Bibi” Soliman and Kenedy Talley joined the rest of the consultant team in working with chapters across the country.

“The role of a TLC is consistently changing as the needs of not only sorority women but of college women in general are changing,” Caitlin Moulton, Director of Field Operations, said. “Our goal with each new consultant hired is to make sure that the position continues to reflect those expectations, and we are excited to continue developing this role to support the Fraternity in moving toward its strategic goals.”

“Each of these women brings a unique skillset to the table,” Caitlin said. “Their combined expertise ranges from both CROWN and Primary Recruitment to chapter officer development and some of the higher-level issues facing fraternity/sorority life, like sexual assault prevention.” Because of their experiences, the new TLCs were in a good position when training started. “Sharon, Bibi and Kenedy were all excited to begin their first visits. Their enthusiasm and passion for ZTA will be a benefit to every Zeta Tau Alpha woman they work with.”

Meet the new TLCs (from left to right):

SHARON KLEINDIENST Eta Epsilon Chapter

Sharon was a liberal studies major with minors in education and studio art at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Originally from Swartswood, New Jersey, Sharon is looking forward to learning about different cultures and sisterhoods as she travels across the country for ZTA. “I am excited to experience all the different foods, campuses and sisters that make each chapter unique,” she said.

Getting to know Sharon: “My proudest accomplishment to date has been becoming a ZTA TLC. I had the misconception that coming from a small chapter would hinder my chances of becoming a TLC. In fact, my experiences have only been an asset to me.”

HABIBA “BIBI” SOLIMAN Delta Mu Chapter

Bibi, who studied communications (public relations) and marketing at The University of Tennessee at Martin, has an interesting background. While she was born in Kuwait, she calls both Cairo, Egypt, and Nashville, Tennessee, home, giving her three nationalities. Now, she’s excited to meet Zetas from different parts of the country as she starts her TLC career. Because she joined Zeta Tau Alpha as a junior, she wasn’t ready to give up the collegiate world of ZTA upon graduation. “I served as a leader in Delta Mu Chapter, and it was always fulfilling and rewarding,” she said.

“I want to continue to serve chapters and push them to thrive.”

Getting to know Bibi: “I’m motivated by making a difference in someone’s life or community, accomplishing my duties successfully and building healthy relationships with people.”

KENEDY TALLEY

Theta Iota Chapter Kenedy majored in sports management at University of North Florida, and she admits that she loves everything about sports. “Playing [sports] or watching them can always make my day better,” she said. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Kenedy said if she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly so she could go anywhere in the world whenever she wants.

Getting to know Kenedy: “My General Advisor, Aimee Kane, has been my mentor.

She helped me grow into the leader I am today by pushing me to think outside the box and to accomplish things I never thought possible.”

Traveling Leadership Consultants · Spring 2017 · 21

BY EL L EN CRAW FORD, EDITOR So much of the Zeta Tau Alpha experience is driven by dedicated volunteers who give their time, talents and service to the Fraternity. It takes thousands of Zetas with diverse skills to keep the Fraternity, Foundation and Fraternity Housing Corporation running smoothly, and each Zeta can contribute. How are you being called to serve ZTA? To find out, turn the page and take the quiz: “What kind of volunteer are you?” Afterward, read about a variety ZTA volunteer opportunities and find one that is right for you. Still in college? Get some ideas about how you can serve ZTA after graduation, and use this as a resource to learn more about what your local alumnae do. It’s never too early to hear your call.

Feature · Spring 2017 · 23

WHAT KIND OF

ARE YOU? Once you’ve answered the questions below, add up the number of answers you selected for each letter: Z, E, T or A. The letter with the highest number will reveal what kind of ZTA volunteer you are. Find the corresponding section on the following pages and read about all the different ways you can serve that facet of ZTA. With so many opportunities, you’re bound to find something you’re passionate about.

1

3

Z. Reading up on the latest trends online

Z. GroupMe

E. Putting the finishing touches on decorations for a party

T. Your day planner

IT’S SUNDAY AFTERNOON. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

T. Watching the big game A. Wandering around HomeGoods

2

WHICH FOUNDER DO YOU RELATE TO MOST?

Z. Helen May Crafford E. Alice Bland Coleman T. Frances Yancey Smith A. Della Lewis Hundley

WHAT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

E. Facebook A. Your toolbox

4

YOUR SISTERS ALWAYS ASK YOU TO:

Z. Help them reach their goals.

You really know how to motivate people.

E. Plan a fun event. You have a pulse on what will draw a crowd.

T. Organize volunteers for a service project. You’re great at rallying people for a common cause.

A. Help them choose an outfit.

You have great taste.

5

PICK A LINE OF THE CREED:

Z. To have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart E. To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things that will ever enrich and ennoble our lives T. To think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world A. To be steadfast, strong and clean of heart and mind

6

PEOPLE ADMIRE THAT YOU ARE:

Z. Patient E. Loyal T. Passionate A. Observant

24 · THEMIS · Feature

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY Zs… YOU ARE A COLLEGIATE CHAPTER VOLUNTEER! You love the excitement and drive of your collegiate sisters, and you want to help them become the leaders you know they can be. ZTA has 169 active collegiate chapters, and each one needs an Advisory Board made up of alumnae who are willing to invest their time and energy into the next generation of Zetas.

There’s an advisor position for every facet of the collegiate experience, so read on and find the one that’s right for you. If you’re a collegian, use this guide to learn more about what your advisors do, and keep an eye out for opportunities you may want to pursue in the future.

General Advisor You have a knack for working with both collegiate and alumnae sisters, you are committed to ensuring your local collegiate chapter is the best it can be and you have the ability to inspire leadership in others, so this is the job for you. In addition to leading the alumnae Advisory Board, the General Advisor supports the collegiate chapter Executive Committee. She helps the collegiate chapter President prepare for EC and chapter meetings, which the GA also attends, and she guides the chapter in the right direction by helping the EC see the big picture. Acting as a mentor to all EC officers, the GA helps them solve problems and lead the chapter smoothly. She is also responsible for reviewing all major reports before they are submitted to International Office, so she should be detail-oriented and able to provide timely feedback.

Membership Advisor You think recruitment season is the most wonderful time of the year, and you feed off the energy of young women chanting and singing. With a healthy dose of patience and a passion for growing our sisterhood, you are the perfect person to guide

collegians through the process of recruiting the best members for their chapter. The Membership Advisor works with the Vice President III/ Membership Chairman to pledge Quota during Primary Recruitment and maintain Total throughout the academic year. By helping the VP III with workshops, recruitment events and CROWN (continuous open bidding) efforts, the MA helps to ensure that the future of ZTA is strong. MariAnne Ortega, MA for Lambda Xi Chapter (Seton Hall University) said it is important for the MA to put in a lot of face-time with the chapter in order to have a positive impact on recruitment. “It helps to know the chapter personally,” she said. Those connections help when creating bump groups or matching Zetas to potential new members. “It also takes time for [the women] to start to trust you and rely on you as an advisor,” she said.

New Member Advisor After Bid Day, new members must learn about the history and values of ZTA, and you want to help them become lifelong Zetas. You’re committed to making each Zeta’s experience special by serving as a New Member Advisor. The NMA has the opportunity to influence the future of a collegiate chapter by working closely with the Vice President II/New Member Coordinator to plan and implement the New Member Experience.

She is responsible for attending new member meetings and PostInitiation Lessons.

Financial Advisor Managing the budget for an entire chapter is a big responsibility for a collegiate Treasurer, but you have a way with numbers and a strong attention to detail, making you the perfect Financial Advisor. The FA monitors the chapter’s Billhighway account and ZetaBase roster and offers support to the Treasurer. She

is there to answer the Treasurer’s questions, but she has no problem going to the Province President/ Chapter Financial Management Committee/International Office Auditor when additional guidance is needed. She assists the Treasurer when submitting fees and reports to IO and in meeting with members who are overdue on payments.

Program Council Advisor You love the variety of programs that make up a well-rounded chapter calendar, you are creative, and you are committed to helping collegians implement quality programs and meet national requirements, so this role is a great fit. The Program Council Advisor works closely with the Vice President I/Coordinator of Committees and her chairmen on Program Council. She ensures programs are well-planned, implemented and evaluated, and she helps the PC meet the needs and desires of the chapter. To do that, Laura Chastain, PCA for Lambda Lambda Chapter (Kennesaw State University), said the PCA needs to take initiative. “Don’t just sit back and wait for the women to come to you,” she said. “Get involved with the chapter. Get to know them.

Check in with them. Observe and take notes. Be ready to give feedback and a new perspective on what may be working or not.” The PCA also reviews the VP I Programming Report before it is sent to IO. Other Advisor Roles Depending on chapter need and alumnae availability, additional advisors have the opportunity to make a positive impact on chapter leaders. There may be an Executive Committee officer or Program Council Chairman or Director who could learn a lot from your expertise.

For example, you may be the perfect woman for the job of Academic Achievement Advisor, Judicial Advisor, Ritual Advisor, Social Feature · Spring 2017 · 25

Advisor or Service/Philanthropy Advisor. Look for a role that aligns with your interests and passions.

Regardless of how you choose to serve a collegiate chapter, you can be sure you will have an impact on the future of ZTA, and you’ll be fulfilled in the process. “You see [collegiate members] grow into leaders, find their lifelong friends, and eventually graduate and find themselves in the real world,” MariAnne said. “Through all of this, you get to be someone they lean on in the organization, someone they trust and confide in, and someone who gets to write them recommendation letters when they strive for their dreams.”

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY Es… YOU ARE AN ALUMNAE CHAPTER VOLUNTEER! You firmly believe Zeta Is Forever, and you want to give your alumnae sisters a fulfilling ZTA experience after college.

Alumnae chapters strive to offer a balanced calendar of events that keeps members engaged and continually growing as Zetas and leaders in their communities. These chapters need officers for many of the same positions as collegiate chapters, so bring back those skills you learned as a collegiate officer or try something you didn’t have the chance to do back in the day.

President You are a natural-born leader with strong communication skills and the drive to accomplish big goals; this job is for you. The President guides the other alumnae chapter officers, leads chapter meetings and maintains open lines of communication with National Officers. While it may be intimidating to take on this big role, April Walters Davis, President of the Northwest Arkansas Alumnae Chapter, found comfort in being surrounded by sisters. “Similar to any leadership role, if you trust your peers, they will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.” In addition to supporting the other officers, the 26 · THEMIS · Feature

President submits reports to IO and keeps the chapter on track for the coveted Crown Chapter award. The President helps the chapter thrive. “It is about furthering the Fraternity and using our passion for ZTA to support each other and our communities in any way possible,” April said.

Vice President of Programming You love coming up with innovative and unique programs, and people call you the queen of themed events, so this is the job for you.

The Vice President of Programming is responsible for creating a diverse programming calendar that reflects the interests of chapter members.

By incorporating programs that fulfill Crown Chapter requirements and surveying chapter members for ideas and feedback, she adds value to the alumnae experience.

The VP of Programming also assists other officers with event promotion, membership retention and reporting.

Vice President of Membership As an outgoing woman who is great at connecting with Zetas from all walks of life, you are perfect for the role of Vice President of Membership. This VP is in charge of recruiting new members who may be new to the area or who have lost touch with ZTA over the years. For Lindy Kahle Clay, VP of Membership for the Oklahoma City, OK Alumnae Chapter, this role is all about making new members feel welcome. “The goal is to make sure everyone is greeted at every meeting and event,” she said. This VP works closely with the VP of Programming to ensure the events on the calendar will appeal to new members and keep current members coming back year after year.

Secretary You excel at record-keeping and are committed to making sure everyone stays informed. You have a knack for

details and fantastic communication skills, so you are perfect for this role. The Secretary is responsible for recording meeting minutes at both officer and chapter meetings.

She also keeps National Officers informed of the happenings of the chapter and keeps the chapter roster and officer lists up-to-date.

Treasurer Alumnae chapters operate out of different members’ homes and event spaces around town, so it is important for the Treasurer to be organized and detail-oriented. You have a way with money and you are great at keeping track of things, so this position is great for you. The Treasurer maintains the chapter budget and financial records. She collects dues from each member, sends reports and fees to IO, and helps other officers make the most of their positions by distributing chapter funds appropriately.

Historian-Reporter Because you love bragging on your chapter and you always have your camera on hand, you are perfect for this job. The Historian-Reporter shares details and photographs from chapter events and programs by submitting a Themis Chapter News Report to IO twice per year (Nov. 1 and May 1). She also positively promotes the chapter by sharing news with local media outlets and other community organizations.

Philanthropy/Service Chairman This position is right up your alley because you are passionate about our philanthropy and serving your community, and you want to get your alumnae chapter involved as well.

The Philanthropy/Service Chairman helps organize events pertaining to our Think Pink® partners and coordinates service projects for the chapter. She acts as a liaison between the chapter and community contacts, so the Philanthropy/Service

Chairman should be well-spoken and prompt when responding to phone calls and emails.

We all know ZTA doesn’t end after four years, and our alumnae chapters help members make the most of their lifelong commitment. By serving as an alumnae chapter officer, you will have a hand in keeping sisterhood alive for many years to come.

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY Ts… YOU ARE A ZTA FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER! You love the way Zeta Tau Alpha touches not just its members, but people everywhere through the work of the ZTA Foundation. You are passionate about bringing breast cancer education and awareness to your community, and you know you can have a major impact on those affected by breast cancer. Whether you’re only able to commit to serving one day at a time or you’re ready to take on a leadership role in your area, there is a way for everyone to get involved.

Local NFL Volunteer Coordinator You are great at bringing your sisters together for a common cause.

You are a self-starter who can take control and get things done, and you love the excitement of game day, so this is the perfect job for you. The Local NFL Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for working with nearby alumnae and collegiate chapters to secure volunteers to pass out ribbons at an NFL “A Crucial Catch” game.

Working with ZTA’s National NFL Coordinator and using resources from the Foundation such as manuals and training webinars, she coordinates supplies needed for game day with staff members at International Office, works closely with the NFL team contact to determine day-of logistics and serves as the point-of-contact for media inquiries. In this role, Becky Echtenkamp from Cincinnati, Ohio, organizes 100 volunteers from five

collegiate and four alumnae chapters for the Cincinnati Bengals’ “A Crucial Catch” game each year. “Patience and persistence have to be in good balance,” she said. These qualities help Becky maintain constant communication with all parties so the day can be “a fun experience for the community as well as the volunteers.”

NFL game-day volunteer You love interacting with different types of people, and you get a chill when you see a stadium full of pink ribbons, so being an NFL game-day volunteer is just right for you. By giving up just a few hours of time one Sunday during the year, collegians and alumnae help bring attention to the disease that affects one in eight women. At the stadium, game-day volunteers distribute ribbons to football fans and promote ZTA at the same time.

Becky’s favorite part of the gameday experience is hearing the stories of how Zetas have impacted the fans. One story in particular stood out: There was a woman who used the pink ribbon as a reminder to get herself checked. By doing so, her breast cancer was detected early.

She was able to get the treatment she needed and attend the next “A Crucial Catch” game. “You make a difference by representing ZTA and doing something you really love and care about,” Becky said.

Local MSABC Volunteer Coordinator You have great people skills, and you are inspired by the stories of breast cancer survivors, so the Local MSABC Volunteer Coordinator position is great for you. Just like the Local NFL Volunteer Coordinator, the woman in this role lines up collegiate and alumnae volunteers for a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walk, obtains the necessary supplies from IO, coordinates logistics with a local American Cancer Society® rep and responds to any media inquiries. She works directly with ZTA’s National Feature · Spring 2017 · 27

MSABC Coordinator and receives support from the Foundation through manuals and training webinars. Aymie Clayton, who holds this position in Chicago, Illinois, said the busiest time of the year is the month or two prior to the event. To do the job, Aymie said the Local MSABC Volunteer Coordinator needs to have great organization, people skills and the ability to “think on the fly.”

MSABC walk-day volunteer At MSABC Walks, collegiate and alumnae Zetas are in charge of managing the survivor tent. “I love to welcome survivors into our tent, celebrate with them, cry with them and hug them,” Aymie said. If this sounds like something you’re being called to do, becoming a MSABC walk-day volunteer may make sense.

Each walk is different, so the duties of the volunteers change, but you can be sure you will have a chance to interact with local survivors. Bring your smile and your energy to help make this day extra special for those in attendance.

Every Zeta can help further the mission of the ZTA Foundation, and you’re not limited to volunteering at one event or the other. In fact, you’re not even limited to volunteering in one of the capacities listed above. For those sisters who don’t have an NFL team or MSABC Walk nearby, the opportunities for organizing Think Pink® events for the community are endless. Take something you’re passionate about and turn it into a creative way to support breast cancer education and awareness.

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY As… YOU ARE A FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION VOLUNTEER! You believe a positive environment can bring sisters together, and you’re committed to ensuring our collegians have a safe space to gather. You are interested in working with a collegiate 28 · THEMIS · Feature

chapter and you have a little time to dedicate to maintaining an FHC-owned or -managed property. You may not have previous decorating, engineering or insurance experience, but you have the heart to make a difference in the lives of ZTA collegians.

Local House Association President You love that chapter facilities come in many forms, and you want to ensure the safety and security of our collegians, so this is the job for you. The Local House Association President keeps everything in the facility running smoothly and works with the collegiate House Manager and House Director (where applicable) to review and implement house rules. She also supervises any facility renovations and submits an annual request for the allocation of funds to the FHC. “The LHAP has the opportunity to work with all levels of the local and national Fraternity, learn how the FHC takes care of its properties, and act as a liaison between the House Director and vendors,” Sally Walter, LHAP for Zeta Chapter (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), said. “It’s fun to meet new people and work closely with them on important projects that make ZTA a strong house on campus.”

Local House Association Board Member Some chapter facilities require the attention of more than one dedicated alumna, so the Local House Association will add board members to assist the LHA President. You’re interested in keeping a chapter facility up-to-date and relevant for collegians, so this position is great for you. LHA board members help oversee renovations and work with local collegians to ensure their facility is a safe space where sisterhood can thrive.

With more than 114 FHC-owned or -managed facilities around the country, there is likely a property nearby that could use your help. Use your talents to benefit a local collegiate chapter, and you will surely find it rewarding.

From the women who spend their weekends supporting our philanthropy or maintaining chapter facilities to the sisters who put their time and energy into their alumnae chapters, many aspects of ZTA would not be possible without the help of volunteers. With so many ways to serve, there is bound to be a position that speaks to you. Will you hear your call? Get involved by contacting Lauren McMahon, Director of Membership Services, at lauren-mcmahon@ zetataualpha.org or (317) 872–0540.

Membership Information Sheet University:

Visit www.zetataualpha.org/mis for more information on how to submit this form to collegiate chapters.

Potential New Member Information Name: Home Address: Name of Parent(s) or Guardian(s): High School: Class Size:

Unweighted GPA:

Unweighted GPA Scale:

Graduation Year:

Weighted GPA:

Weighted GPA Scale:

Potential New Member is a (check one):

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

School(s) attended after high school, if any: Previous College GPA:

Term(s) Completed:

Potential New Member Legacy Affiliations Sister:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Mother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Grandmother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Great-Grandmother:

ZTA Chapter:

Home Address: Phone Number:

Email Address:

Other NPC Affiliations: Membership Information Sheet ¡ Spring 2017 ¡ 29

Potential New Member Qualifications

Note: Please do not duplicate information between sections.

Leadership/Honors (i.e., positions, awards, etc.):

Involvement (i.e., clubs, athletics, etc.):

Volunteer (i.e., service, religious, civic, etc.):

Additional information, if any: Why would this PNM be an asset to ZTA?

Potential New Member Other Information

Note: This information will be utilized by the chapter to enhance the experience of the PNM during recruitment.

Suggested topics of conversation: What type of member should the PNM meet during recruitment (i.e., leader, academic, athletic, social-oriented, etc.)?

Reference Information

Please indicate at least one of the following for relationship between referring individual and the PNM.

For this Potential New Member, I would like to (check one): Check one that applies: Personally known the PNM for Personally known the PNM’s family for

Highly Recommend

Recommend

year(s) year(s)

Do not personally know the PNM. Source of information: Alumna Information Name:

Date:

Address: Phone Number: Email Address: Alumnae Chapter: Alumna Signature: 30 · THEMIS · Membership Information Sheet

Collegiate Chapter: Initiation Date (Year):

Scholarship List · Spring 2017 · 31

Presidents balance ZTA and NPC values

By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Zeta Tau Alpha members pledge to uphold the values of the Fraternity. ZTA pledges to uphold the values of the National Panhellenic Conference. At many colleges, the responsibility of upholding both sets of values falls on outstanding Zetas who serve as presidents of their campus Panhellenic organizations.

Tori Martin (Gamma Pi Chapter) was president of the Panhellenic Council at The University of Georgia in 2016. Emily Bajalia (Gamma Alpha Chapter) and Carly Bengry (Delta Beta Chapter) are the current Panhellenic presidents at University of Miami and Florida Southern College, respectively.

Their campuses are vastly different. Georgia is a land-grant state university with 27,500 undergraduate students. Its 18 sororities have a median chapter size of 268 members.

Miami is a private research university with 11,000 undergraduate students and eight sororities with a median chapter size of 216. Florida Southern is a private liberal arts college with 2,000 undergraduate students and seven sororities with a median chapter size of 78.

Yet all three feel passionately committed to ingraining NPC’s core values of leadership, community, friendship, service, knowledge and integrity on their campuses.

“Panhellenic women are so much more than the stereotype of girls in preppy clothes singing songs,” Emily said. “At Miami and on every campus, they hold the highest leadership positions, run from class to meetings

32 · THEMIS · National Panhellenic Conference News

to internships, come to campus extra early and stay late to do research.”

University administrators take notice of Panhellenic leadership and academics. “Florida Southern is 30 percent Greek,” Carly said. “Most of us are involved in other organizations and leadership roles, which gives us a reputation that the campus administration respects.”

At Miami, the fraternity/sorority grade point average is two-tenths higher than the campus average. At Georgia, the Panhellenic grade point average was 3.51 last year, more than two-tenths of a point higher than the allundergraduate average.

During her term as Panhellenic president at UGA, Tori was touched by the community and friendship of NPC organizations’ members after four women from three sororities died in a tragic car accident in April 2016.

“Panhellenic spirit called upon each chapter to be there for one another,” Tori said. “Our community took a mourning campus and found a light of hope that would honor the lives lost. Since then, our Panhellenic chapters have valued coming together instead of standing apart.”

Carly strives for integrity by working to implement NPC’s recruitment guidelines that focus on service and sisterhood, rather than decorations and skits. As a charter member at Kennesaw State University (Lambda Lambda Chapter), she saw the benefits of those changes before she transferred to Florida Southern. “It will take a while to achieve because of pushback from some

individual sororities,” Carly said, “but we are working together on changes to reach the long-term goal of values-based recruitment.”

Carly is also working toward unity with the men’s Interfraternity Council. “In the past, we’ve had Greek presidents retreats where only the women showed up,” she said. “Now I meet at least once per week with the IFC president and we’re trying to change that double standard.”

Tori Martin (Gamma Pi Chapter, The University of Georgia) is majoring in marketing and risk management. She will graduate in December 2017.

Emily Bajalia (Gamma Alpha Chapter, University of Miami) is majoring in marketing. She will graduate in May 2018.

Carly Bengry (Delta Beta Chapter, Florida Southern College) is majoring in history education. She will graduate in May 2018.

Service is a common theme on all three campuses. At Georgia, a Panhellenic Council initiative resulted in the creation of the Student Food Pantry to combat food insecurity. “Panhellenic women operate and staff the pantry that serves up to 100 visitors each day,” Tori explained. “We are proud to offer a campus resource that provides a judgment-free space and positively impacts a large community.”

At Miami, the number of fraternity and sorority members has doubled in the last 10 years. “As we continue to grow,” Emily said, “we want to foster a community of support where each chapter encourages the others and we use the strengths of each chapter as a resource to better our community.” The Panhellenic organizations offer programs that foster inter-sorority relations, including a Big/Little Sister program that pairs members in different chapters based on mutual interests.

Emily’s position in 2016 as Director of Philanthropy for Gamma Alpha Chapter led her to seek a larger role in serving the Miami community as Panhellenic president.

“It was so fulfilling to meet survivors and raise awareness for breast cancer,” she said. “While working with campus and community offices on our Think Pink® Week, I realized I wanted to do more, to push myself to serve in a larger role and find ways for all of us to make an impact.”

All three Zetas may have come by their Panhellenic spirit naturally as well as by election. Carly’s mother is an alumna of Sigma Sigma Sigma at Western Michigan University and her sister is a member of Alpha Chi Omega at Florida Southern. Emily’s mother is an alumna of Delta Delta Delta at Jacksonville University and her aunt is a ZTA alumna from University of North Florida (Theta Iota Chapter). Tori’s sister pledged Kappa Alpha Theta at University of Cincinnati this fall, and her mother, a Kappa Alpha Theta alumna, was Panhellenic president at University of Cincinnati as a collegian.

“She was my inspiration,” Tori said of her mom. “I ran track for UGA my first year of college. I decided to stop running my sophomore year, which is when I pledged ZTA. It was a great decision. During my freshman year, I could see all the corners and avenues of campus that Greek women touched. I wanted to enhance that, have an external focus, get to know people I hadn’t interacted with and oversee a team dedicated to lifting people up.”

National Panhellenic Conference News · Spring 2017 · 33

ZTA finds perfect location for International Office

By Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi “Location, location, location,” real estate agents say, is the primary rule in buying property. In July 2015, the ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation began to search in Carmel, Indiana, for the ideal location to build a new International Office. After 18 months and dozens of site visits, the FHC has found that perfect location—without the need to build.

In December 2016, the FHC purchased an existing building at 1036 South Rangeline Road in Carmel that will, after renovation, meet the Fraternity’s three primary goals of relocating—a proper tribute to our history; adequate space for staff support and training; and a strong, thriving location.

“The key to our decision was the building’s location in Carmel on a street with excellent new development all around it,” said FHC President Julia Marthaler Hill. “The building is in impeccable condition and renovating it to meet our needs will be much more cost-effective than building from scratch. We feel very fortunate to have obtained this property.”

The new building in Carmel is just 9.5 miles northeast of IO’s current location in Indianapolis. Carmel is one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities and now the fifth largest city in Indiana.

The four-level building is twice the size of the current IO, which was completed in 1993 at 3450 Founders

Road in northwest Indianapolis. That building doubled the size of the first Indianapolis IO, completed in 1977 at 3330 Founders Road. The two Founders Road offices were constructed on empty lots and had more traditional exteriors. The Carmel location has a more corporate, modern exterior that both Mrs. Hill and Executive Director Meghan Vicinus Parker believe represents the current forward-thinking vision and growth of ZTA. “The building reflects where we are today,” Mrs. Hill said. “We are a sisterhood with a wonderful heritage, but we are also a thriving business with three successful entities and a staff that provides essential services to our chapters, members and volunteers. This building matches the size and scope of the work we do now and will do into the future.”

“This building will honor our past and move Zeta Tau Alpha forward as an organization,” Mrs. Parker said.

“We will have space to host daily visitors like National Officers, other fraternity/sorority representatives and our vendors and suppliers. It has wonderful potential for us to be more collaborative. Those partnerships and that collaboration will complement each other more effectively in this new space.”

Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Parker join ZTA National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter, ZTA Foundation President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan and Vice President Alumnae

This artist rendering from 2005 shows the building at 1036 South Rangeline Road in Carmel, Indiana, that will become ZTA’s new International Office.

34 · THEMIS · ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News

II Alicia Patten Williams as the International Office Building Committee. This committee has contracted with Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf and its principal and partner, Jonathan Hess, to design the renovations.

Browning Day is the premier architectural firm in Indianapolis with multiple major projects in its portfolio, including the expansion of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the renovation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “Project 100” public spaces, and the remodeling of corporate offices for Eli Lilly and Company. Browning Day also designed ZTA’s current International Office.

The first floor of the new IO will feature a reception area, Crown & Co. retail store, executive offices, a board room, and the ZTA archives with historic photos, memorabilia and interactive exhibits. The renovation plan also includes climate-controlled storage for precious archival items. “This was such an important need for us because our history is our foundation,” Mrs. Hill said. “Visitors to the new IO will experience our past and learn about our current programming and growth.”

The second floor fulfills a major need with its existing large training room. “We will be able to host our own leadership academies, train our Traveling Leadership Consultants and host interfraternal meetings and workshops,” Mrs. Parker said. “It’s a large, comfortable, functional space that we don’t currently have and will allow us to move forward.” The second floor will also include employee work spaces and a catering kitchen for meetings and staff lunches.

The third floor will have more employee work spaces and collaboration areas, plus a solarium and rooftop patio, perfect for hosting outdoor receptions and providing a sunlit space for brainstorming and creativity. From the rooftop patio, you can see Carmel City Hall, with its Japanese garden and gazebo park, and the Monon Trail, a popular walking and biking path.

Staff workspaces Solarium Roof-top patio

Training Staff workspace Kitchen

Reception Archives Crown & Co.

The lower level will become the mail and supply room, utilizing existing easy access for delivery trucks via the large parking lot.

An Archives Development Committee and a Building Renovation Committee, comprised of appointed members of the three national boards, are collaborating on the design plans with the Building Committee and the Browning Day team, with the goal of moving by late fall 2017.

“We’re moving ahead with an outstanding team of professionals and ZTA leaders to give us the most effective use of the new space,” Mrs. Hill said. “We believe everyone will be thrilled when the renovations are complete. We can’t wait to call 1036 South Rangeline Road our new home.”

Mail room Supply Delivery

ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation News · Spring 2017 · 35

Join the Maud Squad

By Ashley Sherman, Director of Communication Always dreamed of being a part of Maud’s squad? Now, you can!

Maud Squad is the new designated level of giving for young alumnae aged 40 and under who set up a recurring donation for the ZTA Foundation.

Named for Founder Maud Jones Horner, the squad recognizes ZTA’s young alumnae and the big impact they make on the organization.

Maud was the natural leader of ZTA’s Founders and the driving force behind organizing the group of nine to become their own organization.

With help from her brother, she even wrote the ritual and Constitution & Bylaws of Zeta Tau Alpha. Maud was unanimously voted as ZTA’s first Grand President (the role now known as National President) and kept ZTA together in the first few years. The Maud Squad is a tribute to her, and joining is a great way to leave your own mark on ZTA. That’s what Maud would call major squad goals.

Meet the squad: Courtney McPherson (Eta Xi Chapter, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) set up her recurring donation just nine months after graduation and will henceforth be recognized as the very first member of the Maud Squad!

“Donating has helped me maintain a strong connection to the organization that provided me with so much throughout my college career,” Courtney said.

Courtney encourages every young alumna to consider giving back as well. “If you feel like you are at a point where you are able to give, 36 · THEMIS · ZTA Foundation News

even a little bit can go a long way,” Courtney said. “The ability to serve is truly rewarding, and I hope everyone can experience that joy in whatever way they can by giving of their time, talents or treasures!”

Keri Montrose (Kappa Theta Chapter, California State University, San Bernardino) started giving after she graduated because, as a scholarship recipient in both undergrad and law school, she experienced the positive impact of the Foundation firsthand.

The benefits of sisterhood carried on beyond her post-graduate years as well. After going to school in Southern California, Keri moved with her husband to Northern California, where she didn’t know anyone. After reaching out via social media, she was connected with local alumnae who have become close friends and even helped her land her dream job.

Katy Carlsward (Gamma Beta Chapter, Washington College) was also a scholarship recipient who started giving to the Foundation after graduation when she moved to an area with an active alumnae chapter. Even though she has moved around the country, Katy has remained involved in ZTA philanthropy efforts like NFL “A Crucial Catch” games, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walks and other special events. She has seen the positive impact of ZTA’s presence in various communities.

At this point in her life, Katy said she can’t think of a better organization to support. “The ZTA Foundation’s impact on collegians, alumnae and members of the community is more far-reaching than we will ever really know.”

JOIN THE SQUAD: If you are a Zeta aged 40 or under, Maud wants you to join the squad!

It’s easy; here’s how: Step 1: Visit www.zetataualpha.org/ maudsquad.

Step 2: Set up a recurring donation of $9 per month or more.

Once your recurring donation is in place, you’re in!

OUR FIRST MEMBER:

Courtney McPherson Eta Xi Chapter Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

MAUD WANTS YOU

to join

HER SQUAD

2

1

3 4

5

38 · THEMIS · Points of Pride

9

6

10

7

8 1. Executive Committee officers from the Indianapolis, IN Alumnae Association gathered for a potluck lunch following officer installation.

2. Sisters from the Rochester, NY Alumnae Chapter served ZTA and their community at a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walk.

3. Women from the Miami, FL Alumnae Chapter worked together to host Florida Zeta Day 2017.

The alumnae met throughout the fall to ensure the event was a success.

4. Members of the Charlotte, NC Alumnae Chapter welcomed fans and distributed ribbons

during the Carolina Panthers’ “A Crucial Catch” game last fall.

Louisiana) prepare for Primary Recruitment by acting as potential new members.

5. The collegians of Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) showed appreciation for their General Advisor, Areta Hill Moseley.

8. Advisors, alumnae chapter officers and members of the Augusta, GA Alumnae Chapter volunteered to help Eta Mu Chapter (Augusta University) by setting up for Bid Day.

6. Marti Dorrel Schrock (pictured third from the left) was awarded the Woman of Distinction Award for her role as the faculty/staff advisor for Beta Theta Chapter (Franklin College).

7. Chapter officers and members of the Shreveport, LA Alumnae Chapter volunteered to help Beta Iota Chapter (Centenary College of

9. Over the summer, the Executive Committee of the Washington, D.C. Alumnae Chapter gathered at a local coffee shop for officer training.

10. National Officers Susan Gregory Bohan, Tami Sims O’Brien and Stancy Robinson Hagans attended Texas Zeta Day 2017.

Points of Pride · Spring 2017 · 39

The history of volunteer training in ZTA

By Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi, Director of Archives & Historical Education, and Susan Beard, Delta Psi, Archives Chairman Time…there is never enough of it. Because of this, Zeta Tau Alpha is appreciative of the volunteers who give up their time for the good of the Fraternity. Volunteers are ZTA’s most valuable resource; the organization could not exist without these sisters. They make the Fraternity stronger, help it operate more smoothly and allow Zetas to make a greater impact in anything they attempt.

Managing ZTA’s membership of more than 245,000 collegiate and alumnae women requires structure and, most importantly, commitment. Contrary to popular belief, none of ZTA’s National Officers, board members or local volunteers are paid. ZTA does have a professional staff at International Office, but without all of the volunteers, ZTA could not provide the hands-on support, training and leadership resources an organization of this size requires.

Volunteers ensure the continuation of ZTA’s mission of sisterhood. Many women choose to donate their time because of their strong loyalty to the Fraternity and because of the positive experience they had as collegiate members of ZTA. They want to ensure their ZTA experience is available to other women; it’s a way to pay it forward. It is also a great way to learn new skills in leadership while helping others do the same. What a feeling of pride volunteers receive when given an opportunity to view ZTA from a different perspective and see just how many other women are working for ZTA, too.

But volunteers don’t just appear, fully trained and ready to work. Over the decades, ZTA has refined its training methods to help volunteers become valuable resources for all ZTA members.

This training manual was used at National Leadership Conference 1981, which was the first NLC with programming specifically for collegiate leaders, rather than just for National Officers.

40 · THEMIS · Archives

When ZTA was very young, the Fraternity was small enough that most training could take place by letters and telegrams, and all chapters could be managed by Grand Chapter, which was the early name for National Council. Most instructional material went out through ZTA’s magazine, Themis, or in “Secret Letters,” sent to each chapter on a regular basis. The Fraternity’s earliest published resource was The Songs and Poems of Zeta Tau Alpha, which came out in 1908. By the 1920s, ZTA had grown exponentially, and five Grand Chapter officers could no longer effectively manage the organization. In May 1925, ZTA was split into Provinces, with officers in each province taking on the responsibility of educating and training new volunteers as well as all of the collegians in their area.

Those in attendance at the Gamma Province Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1925, were lucky to have one of ZTA’s Founders join them.

Frances Yancey Smith can be seen in the back row, sixth from the left.

Although the training of local volunteers had become more comprehensive with the creation of Provinces, the Fraternity’s methods remained the same—mostly inperson workshops. The first resources for volunteers, the Pledge Manual and the Manual for Active Alumnae Chapters, were not published until 1931. Before that, the only other guide ZTA had was Shirley Kreasan Strout’s Themis Manual for Chapter Correspondents, which was written in 1924. ZTA’s early volunteers were just expected to know what their position entailed, and they had to rely heavily on Province officers to interpret ZTA rules and standards, which could vary widely from region to region. Being a volunteer in the pre-World War II era was especially challenging, and much of what these women did was up to them. This even included purchasing chapter houses. During that time, if an alumnae chapter wanted to build or buy a house for a collegiate chapter, they could do so without permission from Grand Chapter. This wasn’t the best fiscal policy, so this process was discontinued by the 1940s.

National Officers boarded buses in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, headed toward the first National Training School, held at Miami University in June 1961.

The challenge of keeping a volunteer-driven organization functioning was tested by World War II and the ensuing societal changes. More women joined the workplace due to the war, and that left much less time for volunteer work or volunteer training. Province conventions began to focus more on intensive, weekend-long training workshops, and days were added to ZTA Convention schedules for incoming National Officers to learn about their positions.

The demanding schedules of these meetings led to the development of Zeta Days, which are strictly social events, for every state in 1954. By 1960, however, National Council realized that even more volunteer training was necessary to meet the Fraternity’s needs.

ZTA’s first National Training School for Province and District Presidents took place June 12–16, 1961, on Miami University’s campus in Oxford, Ohio. Almost 50 National Officers attended to learn about ways to implement ZTA’s

Collegians made a pyramid as part of a team-building exercise at National Leadership Conference 1991 in Chicago.

Archives · Spring 2017 · 41

processes and procedures in their states. This was the start of uniform training for all leaders, but the difference in 1961 was that it only included the alumnae volunteers.

No collegians were involved, and it was the responsibility of the attendees to take their knowledge back to their local collegiate chapters. This type of volunteer training, which used the mentoring model of learning, continued for the next decade, and most of the responsibility for explaining the “Zeta way” fell onto the volunteers. Area Leadership Conferences, where alumnae volunteers shared with collegiate women the things they had learned at National Training Schools, started in the mid-1970s.

The first National Leadership Conference, where the meeting format we still use today at NLC was instituted, was held at Memphis State University in 1981. Delegates from every collegiate chapter attended, along with local volunteers and many National Officers. This tradition continues today, but now collegiate chapters send two officers/emerging leaders, so the in-person training can be experienced by more members. As the size and scope of NLC grew over the years, ZTA moved from having events on college campuses to meeting in major city hotels. Since 1995, ZTA has held NLC in Indianapolis, Indiana, home to International Office. Having NLC in the city ZTA calls home has allowed members to tour International Office, put faces with names and see

how the business side of ZTA operates. More than 600 collegiate leaders and National Officers are expected to attend NLC 2017, which will seek to empower them to “Listen and Lead” by learning invaluable awareness and leadership skills. This innovative training will strengthen ZTA chapters across the country and give attendees a renewed sense of sisterhood that they will carry back to their chapters.

People often ask dedicated ZTA volunteers why they continue to put so much time and effort into unpaid work for the Fraternity. Many answer that they enjoy the opportunity to meet sisters from all over the country at volunteer training conferences, they like working for our philanthropy because it is personal, or they like the feeling of accomplishment when they see their alumnae or collegiate chapter achieve its goals. The answer is different for each person, but most will agree it is rewarding and fun.

Volunteers have been keeping the Fraternity alive for more than 100 years. While the roles of ZTA’s volunteers and the methods in which they are trained may have changed, the message is clear. Volunteers and volunteer training are critical for ZTA’s continuing success. Volunteers keep ZTA consistent. They keep the organization orderly. They keep the Fraternity moving forward. Consider what role you can play in ZTA.

(Left) Field Secretaries, now called Traveling Leadership Consultants, got to know each other at the National Training School in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1975. (Right) Alumnae and collegians worked together at National Leadership Conference 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky.

42 · THEMIS · Archives

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

HOW TO MAKE AN ADDRESS CHANGE Go to www.zetataualpha.org and log in to Sisters Only. Select “Update Information and Privacy Settings.”

Or, email changes to zetataualpha@ zetataualpha.org (subject: Address Change) or call IO at (317) 872-0540.

Parents: While your daughter is in college, her magazine is sent to her home address. If she is not living at home, please send in her new address.

HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS Send all news and photos to news@ zetataualpha.org. All submissions become the property of ZTA and are subject to editing. Include full names and chapter. Photos must be 1 MB (1,024 KB) or larger to be printed.

HOW TO SUBMIT TO THE ARCHIVES Have something to contribute to the archives? Email Patti Cords Levitte (patti-levitte@zetataualpha.org).

Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) is published quarterly by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1334. Subscription: $2 per year. Single copies: $.50. Periodical postage paid in Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference. © 2017 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.

(Top) Collegiate leaders showed off their most colorful ZTA T-shirts at National Leadership Conference 1991 in Chicago. (Bottom) Those who attended the Gamma Province Convention in Syracuse, New York, in 1936, during the Great Depression, were responsible for teaching those who could not attend what they had missed.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Scholarship List · Spring 2017 · 43

3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.zetataualpha.org

44 · THEMIS · Scholarship List