Themis—Spring 2018

of Zeta Tau Alpha | Spring 2018

xx · Winter 2018 · 1 Stories of Leadership | Noble Achievements | Lambda Omicron Chapter Installed

Spring 2018 Vol. 116 No. 3 (ISSN 1529-6709; USPS 627-120) 1036 S. Rangeline Road Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 872–0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org

STAFF Editor Ellen Crawford Graphic Designer Kahlie Cannon Senior Director of Communication Ashley Sherman Contributors Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi Susan Beard, Delta Psi Kaelin Beaty, Eta Tau Monica Ceja, Lambda Gamma Kelley Fox, Lambda Beta Heather Matthews Kirk, Delta Kappa Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi Alice McCann Mathews, Eta Iota Leslie J. Pedigo Hailey Rogers, Delta Psi

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 Landers, Theta Psi Extension Director Dolores Gonzales Gastineau, Theta Omega

2 · THEMIS · xx

FROM WHERE I SIT

By Mardee Coyle Austin, Zeta Xi Chapter, Georgia Southern University Experience (n.): something personally encountered, undergone or lived through, especially something important that affects you “Experience” has been my one-word motto for most of my adult life. The calling for me to experience all life has to offer has always been loud and clear. Those who know me well know I rarely use the word “no,” and my feet are never on the ground for too long. Shortly after graduating from Georgia Southern University, I met the man of my dreams, and he invited me to move across the country.

Before long, I hopped a plane for Seattle, Washington, which we have called home for the last 19 years. In Seattle, I joined my local alumnae chapter and became an alumnae officer and collegiate chapter advisor.

These experiences led me to a lifetime of volunteerism in ZTA. I have since held local and national positions, worked with countless collegians and alumnae, and met sisters from across the globe that are now as precious to me as those I pledged alongside in college.

This year, however, has been a banner year for my own ZTA experiences. Last fall, I celebrated Psi Chapter’s 100th anniversary at University of Washington. While not my own chapter, I have worked in some capacity with these amazing women for many years and count several of Psi Chapter’s alumnae among my dearest friends. This spring, I am looking forward to going back to my own collegiate chapter for Zeta Xi Chapter’s 50th anniversary.

What are the chances two of the most significant chapters in my life are celebrating major anniversaries in one year?

My most incredible experience, however, has been watching ZTA flourish in Idaho. When I was a District President, Idaho was in my area, but at the time the ZTA flame was but a dim flicker there. There were no alumnae or collegiate chapters in Idaho, and we only knew of a few alumnae scattered throughout the state. When ZTA formed its partnership with the American Cancer Society®, I was asked to find some alumnae to help with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk in Boise. On my maiden trip to Boise, I met

three wonderful sisters from three different collegiate chapters. Two of them worked together and never knew they were both Zetas until the MSABC event! Then last spring, when ZTA was invited to participate in an extension presentation at Boise State University, the flicker in Idaho started to burn a little more brightly. Today, after many more trips and the recent installation of Lambda Omicron Chapter, the alumnae chapter in Boise has grown from three to 18 members, including many who haven’t been active with ZTA since their own college years. Seeing these women step up to assume advisor roles and alumnae positions has filled me with gratitude and ZTA pride and given me another experience I will cherish always.

I can’t help but think of our Founders’ experience as a small group once huddled around a dimly flickering candle, creating this legacy that binds us all together.

ZTA’s flame in Idaho is now as bright as the newest link in our Chain of Chapters.

My wish for our Idaho sisters is that their involvement with ZTA creates a lifetime of their own new and unforgettable experiences because, after all, experiences are what memories are made of.

SPRING 2018

THEMIS

ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION President Julia Marthaler Hill, Eta Rho Vice President Martha Gorum Jackson, Epsilon Treasurer Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron Secretary Anne Petro Tamulaitis, Alpha Kappa

page 15

FEATURES Unique path leads to the same sisterhood While most sisters join the Fraternity as collegians, there are some who become Zetas as alumnae. Check out how three Alumnae Initiates became involved and how they’re making the most of their ZTA experiences.

10 Creating positive change through leadership Zeta Tau Alpha is committed to developing leaders. See how three alumnae are using the skills they learned in ZTA to make real differences in their communities.

22 COVER STORY From day one While it may look different in chapters across the country, the first year of membership for a Zeta is a

special time when she learns what this sisterhood is all about. See what it’s like for collegians today and what’s drawing them to ZTA. 30

PROFILES Collegian As part of her university’s policy debate team, Rachel Roberts (Delta Alpha Chapter, California State University, Long Beach) studies and competitively advocates for women’s rights and other social justice issues.

14 Alumnae Alumnae Betty Llorente and Christie Mathis Peterson (Gamma Alpha Chapter, University of Miami) reconnected after 20 years when a natural disaster brought them together. 21

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

page 30

IN THIS ISSUE Membership Information Sheet 5 Fraternity News

7, 8

Noble Achievements

15

National Panhellenic Conference News

34

IN EVERY ISSUE From Where I Sit

2

Things We Zeta Love

4

Fraternity Housing Corporation News

36

ZTA Foundation News

38

Points of Pride

40

Archives 42 Winter 2018 Issue Clarification The picture on page 3 that highlighted the story “ZTA is always home” featured alumna Barbara Kazanjian Purks (Delta Beta Chapter, Florida Southern College) and her granddaughter, collegian Victoria Phillips (Theta Phi Chapter, California State University, Fullerton).

Directors Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau Franlyna Barrett Charles, Zeta Iota Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta

ZTA FOUNDATION President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta Vice President of Development Cynthia Byars Courtney, Gamma Tau 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 Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma Lacy Schneider O’Connor, Theta Omicron

xx · Winter 2018 · 3

THINGS WE

Zeta Love I HEARD THE CALL

By Brittany Means Wills, Alpha Psi Chapter, University of Missouri

Convention 2018 is June 26–July 1!

Check out ztaconvention.com, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Convention 2018. Are you going? Head to the website to learn about the different types of attendees and to complete your registration by May 1. There, you’ll also find information on what to pack, how to get there and what to expect.

Not attending this year? No problem! Follow the blog and subscribe for email updates to see all the excitement. We’ll post highlights and daily recaps throughout the week.

Working with the women of Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) reminds me Zeta Is Forever. When I accepted the position to serve, I knew the road ahead would be busy and challenging. I’m grateful for the support of mentors near and far who continue to help along the way.

Reconnecting with sisters from my days as a collegian reminds me of the sweetness that ZTA brings to our lives.

The beautiful determination of the Epsilon Chapter members continues to show the bonds they are building that will forever enrich their lives, linking them as sisters no matter where they go. It is a true honor to work with women that embody the Creed. My favorite part of serving is witnessing the unbelievable leadership that drives the chapter forward. By choosing to be involved, I can say I am experiencing the everlasting sisterhood of ZTA.

SEEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“Bringing some Zeta Love everywhere we go this spring break ” @kutztownzta Kappa Psi Chapter Kutztown University 4 · THEMIS · Things We Zeta Love

“Peep the badge Happy International Badge Day to all our Zistas out there #WEareZTA #BadgeDay18” @fmu_zta Eta Chi Chapter Francis Marion University

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SHEET University:

Visit 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 2018 · 5

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: 6 · THEMIS · Membership Information Sheet

Collegiate Chapter: Initiation Date (Year):

ZTA HEARD THE CALL: OFFICER TRAINING UPDATED

By Leslie J. Pedigo, Education & Curriculum Coordinator

This biennium, the Fraternity “Heard the Call” to revamp officer training for collegiate leaders and advisors to meet the growing needs of Zeta Tau Alpha’s evolving collegiate chapters.

A team of members from National Council, the Training Committee and International Office staff gathered to brainstorm new ideas for officer and leadership development. The final outcome was a combination of Officer Leadership Academy (OLA) and online workshops for those officers who do not attend OLA. The inaugural Officer Leadership Academies took place over four weekends and combined leadership skills and officer training. There was an OLA for each of the three geographical areas of ZTA and a fourth for chapters with 200 members or more, known as “mega chapters.” The Mega Chapters OLA was intentionally designed to benefit chapters that have similar experiences because of their large sizes. The OLAs took place in the following locations: • • • •

AREA I

AREA II

AREA III

Area I: Baltimore, Maryland Area II: Atlanta, Georgia Area III: St. Louis, Missouri Mega Chapters: Dallas, Texas

For the three Area OLAs, four collegiate officers and two advisors from each chapter attended. For the Mega Chapters OLA, seven collegiate officers and two advisors attended.

Overall, more than 1,000 Zetas attended the four events, including almost 40 volunteer facilitators who are either current or former Collegiate National Officers and six International Office staff members.

The OLA curriculum catered to the ever-changing needs of our collegiate leaders. To kick off each OLA, participants and advisors discovered their leadership styles by taking the Noble Practices Assessment (NPA), a tool created by ZTA and Dyad Strategies based on the Five Practices of Noble Leadership and The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha. The NPA is very specific to Zetas and allows members to align their leadership styles to the values of ZTA. Throughout the weekend, participants explored additional leadership topics such as addressing confrontation and practicing conflict management, building sisterhood, facilitating workshops, working in teams, defining success, and setting goals for their chapters.

Throughout the weekend, participants had the opportunity to explore their specific officer or advisor duties and learn transferable skills that will help them in their individual roles.

Advisors also had their own sessions to discuss building relationships with collegians and other topics relevant to their unique roles. One advisor said, “I am honored to serve as an advisor and want to lead with dignity. I realize my responsibility as a role model and look forward to many more years of service to Zeta Tau Alpha.”

This was just the start of ZTA’s evolving officer training as the Fraternity will continue to develop curriculum for OLA and the online workshops. ZTA is excited to see how this newlyrevamped officer training model will give our collegiate leaders and advisors the tools they need to succeed and lead their chapters to greatness.

Fraternity News · Spring 2018 · 7

LINK 253 Lambda Omicron Chapter installed Jan. 20, 2018

SEVENTH NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE organization at Boise State University

SUPPORTING CHAPTERS Epsilon University of Arkansas Initiation

LAMBDA OMICRON CHAPTER INSTALLED

Psi University of Washington

By Monica Ceja, Extension Manager

Gamma Psi Texas Christian University

Initiation

Initiation

ZTA added a jewel to our crown in the Gem State as we installed Lambda Omicron Chapter at Boise State University.

ZTA’s first chapter in Idaho began when Leadership Consultants arrived on campus in early September to recruit potential new members. After a successful colonization process led by Extension Director Dolores Gonzales Gastineau and a team of National Officers, the colony celebrated an exciting Bid Day at the Stueckle Sky Center overlooking Boise State’s legendary blue turf football field.

On Jan. 19, Initiation teams from supporting collegiate chapters across the country (see sidebar) arrived in Boise to initiate colony members at The Grove Hotel in downtown Boise. The following day, Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) initiated Lambda Omicron President Melissa Hamilton just before National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter and Mrs. Gastineau conducted installation services for the chapter and its officers.

Theta Omega California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Initiation

Iota Eta University of Nevada, Las Vegas Preference, Formal Pledging

Kappa Alpha Colorado State University Initiation

111 MEMBERS initiated Jan. 19–20, 2018

Following the ritual services, guests, including BSU’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Leslie Webb, attended a celebratory luncheon at CenturyLink Arena in The Grove Hotel. Vice President Alumnae II Alicia Patten Williams, Director of New Chapters Kathy Cook Apogée and Boise Alumnae Relations Chairman Mardee Coyle Austin also attended.

FIRST ZTA CHAPTER in the state of Idaho

At the luncheon, chapter President Melissa described the colony’s journey of “becoming a part of a sisterhood of women who have your back, who can make you smile on even the darkest of days and who can encourage you to be the best version of yourself.” Afterward, DNCH Kathy presented the traditional chapter gavel.

Epsilon Chapter

ZTA sisterhood is a perfect fit in Idaho. Just as the state motto “Esto perpetua” means “It is forever,” the women of Lambda Omicron have built a foundation for a sisterhood that embodies the sentiment that Zeta Is Forever.

8 · THEMIS · Fraternity News

GIFTS FROM Psi Chapter Kappa Alpha Chapter Seattle, WA Alumnae Chapter

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3

5

2

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PICTURED ABOVE: [1] Members of Lambda Omicron Chapter posed with National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter at the Installation Luncheon. [2] Colony members were initiated on Jan. 19, 2018. [3] Families and friends joined in celebrating the 111 women who joined Zeta Tau Alpha’s first collegiate chapter in Idaho. [4] Along with Boise Alumnae Relations Chairman Mardee Coyle Austin (front, center), women from ZTA’s newest alumnae chapter, the Boise, ID Chapter, also attended Lambda Omicron’s Installation. [5] National Officers who worked closely with the chapter attended the celebratory luncheon: (front row, from left to right) Leadership Consultants Alison Colangelo, Victoria Salsman, Kaelin Beaty, Kelley Fox, (back row, from left to right) Vice President Alumnae II Alicia Patten Williams, chapter President Melissa Hamilton, Mrs. Carpenter, Extension Director Dolores Gonzales Gastineau and DNCH Kathy Cook Apogée. [6] New members celebrated the installation of the 253rd link in ZTA’s Chain of Chapters.

Fraternity News · Spring 2018 · 9

PICTURED ABOVE: Kenna Cornelius Rummel (left) was initiated as an alumna into Alpha Psi Chapter (University of Missouri) in October 2017. Her friend, current Vice President Collegiate III Shannon Ferguson (right), recommended Kenna be initiated and served as her conductor during the Initiation Service.

10 ¡ THEMIS ¡ Feature

Unique path leads to same sisterhood

By Heather Matthews Kirk, Contributing Writer

The vast majority of Zetas follow a similar path to sisterhood. In college, they find their home in Zeta Tau Alpha through recruitment efforts.

They enjoy Bid Day, followed by New Member Experience lessons and Initiation. Some live in a ZTA house.

Many take on leadership roles. All find friendship. And upon graduation, they join the alumnae world, where sisters will support them as they start careers and/or raise families.

Yet, for a handful of women each year, alumnae sisterhood is the starting point for their ZTA journeys.

Alumnae Initiates are “outstanding women…who would bring pride to the membership” and are recommended by alumnae to join ZTA more than four years after they have left college. They have the qualities and strong characteristics we seek in new members, and as alumnae, are sought out because of their capacity to dedicate to ZTA, give back to the community or advise a nearby collegiate chapter. National Council must unanimously approve all recommendations for Alumnae Initiates submitted by alumnae members.

For Kenna Cornelius Rummel, joining ZTA has provided friendship and connection in a new place. In 2015, she moved to Columbia, Missouri— far from her home in Texas—and began advising student organizations at University of Missouri. She met ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation President Julia Marthaler Hill at an Alabama/Mizzou tailgate, and Mrs. Hill connected her with Shannon Ferguson, ZTA’s current Vice President Collegiate III, who also works at Mizzou.

“As an adult, it’s harder to make friends,” Kenna said. “In college, friends are built in, but later in life, you really have to put yourself out there. Once I met Shannon, I knew I could survive in a new place. She helped Mizzou feel like home for me.”

Ms. Ferguson saw a uniqueness in her friendship with Kenna, too. “She is amazing, and I don’t say that just because she’s one of my best friends,” she said. “She embodies all that is good within higher education and is dedicated to student success.”

In 2017, Ms. Ferguson submitted a recommendation to National Council

for Kenna to become an Alumna Initiate, with the hope Kenna could also serve on Alpha Psi Chapter’s advisory board. Upon approval, she invited her to join ZTA. For Kenna, it was an easy decision.

Kenna went to a small private college that did not have National Panhellenic Conference sororities.

She wasn’t yet aware of the “broader Greek experience.” “In graduate school, many of my friends and colleagues were in fraternities and sororities,” she said. “It was so cool to see what the organizations provided on the national level. No matter where my friends went, they had someone to connect with.

They served a similar purpose, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Kenna was initiated into Alpha Psi Chapter at University of Missouri in October 2017, alongside the chapter’s 74 new members and with Ms. Ferguson serving as her conductor.

“It was really fun because Shannon and I had shared this friendship, so it was cool for her to go through Initiation beside me,” she said.

Feature · Spring 2018 · 11

going to happen, and I had to give a speech in front of so many people.”

Despite joining as an alumna, Rachelle has known about ZTA much of her life.

Her aunt, Nona Douglass Richey, is a longtime ZTA National Officer who often brought Rachelle to gatherings with her sisters. Over time, she developed a close relationship with then-Executive Director Deb Ensor.

Nominated by several of Deb and Nona’s friends, Rachelle was initiated at Convention, just weeks before Deb passed away from cancer.

“The joke was that she was my other mother,” Rachelle said. “She was my cheerleader, and we had a fun relationship. I always heard Nona and Deb talk about [ZTA], and I wanted to share in the sisterhood they had.”

An emergency room doctor, Rachelle’s ZTA connections provide her with a breath of fresh air outside of her busy role. She is active in the Long Beach, CA Alumnae Chapter and often travels—from Seattle to Austin to New Orleans—with sisters or to see those she’s met at ZTA gatherings.

“Any time I spend with my sisters is fun,” she said. “When I moved to California, I knew three people. I have gotten to know a new group through ZTA and some have even made me part of their families.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Dr. Rachelle J. Douglass (left) enjoys sharing ZTA with former National Ritual Chairman Verna Hicks Patton (center) and her aunt, longtime ZTA National Officer Nona Douglass Richey (right).

“And to be there with all the new members—I felt like an older sister to them.”

Jumping right in, Kenna became the chapter’s Financial Advisor, and she loves it when the Treasurer or other officers stop by her office on campus for help.

“This experience has developed me personally and professionally. I get to connect with students on a different level than in my job,” she said. “I have spent time with so many people as a part of this experience, from students 12 · THEMIS · Feature

to advisors to housing corporation volunteers. It is humbling to see so many people invested in this idea.”

Amanda Koerth Areces recommended her best friend Molly Sollie become an Alumna Initiate because of what she saw in her character.

For Dr. Rachelle J. Douglass, her welcome to ZTA sisterhood happened on a grand scale. She was the Convention Initiate in 2014 and went through the service in front of almost 900 Zetas of all ages.

“She is a role model of mine. She sees beauty, looks for the good in everyone, finds satisfaction in being and is humble in success without bitterness in defeat,” Amanda said.

“She is a Zeta Tau Alpha if I ever met one—she just needed the pin.

“That was an interesting day,” she said with a laugh. “It was nerveracking not really knowing what was

“With Molly not being a Zeta, it felt like something was missing— an acknowledgment of the bond we share, the person she represents and

TYPES OF ALUMNAE INITIATES Special Initiates: ZTA alumnae may recommend outstanding women from their communities. They must be at least four years out of college.

Installation Initiates: These are Special Initiates who are initiated at the time a new collegiate chapter is installed. They often are sought to provide support for the collegiate chapter as advisors.

Convention Initiates: These are Special Initiates who are initiated at Convention during the model ritual service. Recommendations must be sent to the National President by April 1 of the Convention year.

RECOMMENDING A PROSPECTIVE ALUMNAE INITIATE Step 1: Obtain the Recommendation for Alumnae Initiate Form from International Office.

PICTURED ABOVE: Molly Sollie (center) was excited to join her two best friends, Amanda Koerth Areces (left) and Heather Matthews Kirk (right), in sisterhood.

the commitment we have to each other,” she said. “The closest, most important women in my life are my sisters, and I wanted her to be a part of that.”

Amanda also felt Molly had much to give the organization, and National Council agreed. Molly was initiated into Lambda Epsilon Chapter at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis in 2014. The collegiate officers conducted the service at International Office among a group of Molly’s ZTA friends. It was “an unforgettable experience,” she said.

“At first, I knew far more about the people representing Zeta Tau Alpha than I did about the organization itself,” Molly said. “Yet, that was what mattered the most. Everyone I met had a love for each other, their communities and their organization.

Because of that, I knew membership was the right choice.”

Molly has given back to the organization through jointly funding a ZTA Foundation Scholarship with her two best friends, aptly named The Three Best Friends That Anyone’s Ever Had Scholarship.

“I don’t know how to describe what changes after years of friendship, but ZTA takes it a step further,” she said.

“The scholarship is a way to celebrate that, to say ‘thank you’ and to support collegiate women.”

For all three—Kenna, Rachelle and Molly—Alumnae Initiation has brought new friendships into their lives and strengthened old ones through a recognition of shared values.

“At the end of the day—and this is what many collegiate women don’t understand just yet—even if we’ve had different ZTA experiences, we are all here for the same purpose and to love one another,” Kenna said. “That’s truly what the value of sisterhood is.”

Step 2: Complete it and obtain the signature of the Secretary of the local alumnae group. If no group exists in the area, an alumna in good standing can sign it.

Step 3: Send the completed form to the District President for her signature. She forwards it to the Vice President Alumnae.

Step 4: National Council reviews all recommendations. Council members must unanimously approve an Alumna Initiate for it to move forward.

Step 5: The VPA will notify the DP of National Council’s decision.

Step 6: If approved, the petitioning alumna or alumnae chapter should approach the prospective initiate about becoming a member.

Step 7: If she accepts, the alumna/ chapter arranges the Pledge Service and Initiation with a collegiate chapter.

— ZTA General Manual 2018, p.36-37

Feature · Spring 2018 · 13

“Nothing makes me prouder than wearing my ZTA badge in competition.”

T HE R E’S NO DEB AT ING

Zeta Love

By Ellen Crawford, Editor There are so many opportunities for college students to get involved on campus. From athletics to service organizations and clubs for just about any interest, it’s easy for students to explore their passions and cultivate new skills. In an effort to develop the whole person, Zeta Tau Alpha encourages members to engage with their campus communities. In fact, it’s a Crown Chapter requirement for 100 percent of chapter members to be involved in at least one other organization on campus.

For Rachel Roberts (Delta Alpha Chapter, California State University, Long Beach), debate has become so much more than an extracurricular activity. As a member of CSULB’s policy debate team, Rachel travels during the academic year to college campuses across the country to take part in mentally-demanding tournaments. “Debate competitions are very time consuming,” she said.

“An average day in competition 14 · THEMIS · Collegian Profile

involves about 12 consecutive hours of non-stop debating, and most competitions are three to five days long.” Oftentimes, researching and preparing for competitions requires more homework than her classes.

Rachel’s primary focus during these competitions is on women’s rights and other social justice issues.

“Being able to study these issues and advocate for them competitively really exemplifies my favorite line of our Creed, ‘To seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom.’”

As her chapter’s current Ritual Chairman, Rachel likes to keep ZTA close to her heart while competing.

“Nothing makes me prouder than wearing my ZTA badge in competition,” she said.

Her chapter sisters have also been a huge support. “I have never felt more encouraged as a Zeta and a debater than when both my Big and Little Sisters came to watch me

debate at a local tournament,” she said. Rachel is the only fraternity/ sorority member on her team, and having her sisters to rely on while she pours her time and energy into debate has really helped her hone her craft and excel.

In addition to team awards, Rachel regularly takes home individual speaker awards, which are generally given to the top five or 10 speakers out of a bracket of 100. Last summer, she was also one of only 12 collegiate women and the only fraternity/ sorority member in the nation chosen to attend the Collegiate Scholars Program at the Women’s Debate Institute in Minnesota. The fiveday workshop was designed to allow collegians the opportunity to discuss critical issues, such as race, gender and class, and to expand their debate knowledge. As a sophomore, her success thus far has been impressive, and time will only tell how much more she will accomplish.

Noble

ACHIEVEMENTS

1 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 accomplishing athletic goals to helping to improve the lives of others around the world and making advancements in their careers, 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 International Office’s Communication Department at news@zetataualpha.org. * denotes alumnae members ELIZABETH ADKINS [1] Theta Tau Chapter The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2

As student body president, Elizabeth Adkins participated in her university’s most ambitious fundraiser to date, For All Kind: the Campaign for Carolina. She traveled across the country with UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt to speak at events with notable alumni and help raise money for the university and future students. In each speech, Elizabeth spoke of how she learned the values of sisterhood and philanthropy through her membership in ZTA. *ERICA ALLABY Delta Gamma Chapter High Point University

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When her company, ROBO Global, celebrated its four-year anniversary, Erica Allaby got the opportunity to participate in the Opening Market Bell Ceremony at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York City’s Times Square. As the company’s marketing

director, Erica documented the entire event for news coverage, social media and marketing materials. She is the Vice President of Membership for the Dallas Area Night, TX Alumnae Chapter. *SUSAN FORD BALES [2] Alpha Upsilon Chapter Oklahoma State University Over the summer, Susan Bales led the ceremony for commissioning the USS Gerald R. Ford, an aircraft carrier named for her father, the 38th President of the United States. Susan played a major role in bringing the ship to life and designing many of the interior spaces to honor her late father. *LAUREN BENISHEK [3] Eta Xi Chapter Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Last summer, avid climber Lauren Benishek summited Grand Teton in Wyoming with a team of 10 members during her first mountaineering experience. Lauren, who serves as the Historian of the Baltimore City, Noble Achievements · Spring 2018 · 15

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MD Alumnae Chapter, began her journey with a seven-mile hike and elevation gain of 5,000 feet up to the base camp. The climbers camped overnight, then began their ascent at 3 a.m., up another 2,000 feet over four hours to reach the summit.

After taking in the national park’s amazing views from 13,775 feet, the team spent eight hours climbing back down the mountain.

RACHEL BOAZ AND LIZZEY HILL [4] Kappa Chapter The University of Texas at Austin This summer, Rachel Boaz (pictured on the left) and Lizzey Hill (right) will spend 70 days riding their bikes more than 4,000 miles from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. They are taking on this ambitious goal through an 18-month program with Texas 4000, which cultivates student leaders and engages communities in the fight against cancer. In preparation for their ride, the chapter sisters have been raising funds for cancer research and support services, logging training miles and volunteering in their community.

MAGGIE DEAN [5] Theta Omicron Chapter Baylor University As the president of Baylor University’s Order of Omega chapter, Maggie Dean set out to make a positive change on her campus. The leadership honor society is for members of 16 · THEMIS · Noble Achievements

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fraternity and sorority organizations, but Maggie’s chapter was largely made up of Panhellenic women.

She made it a priority to expand membership to make it more representative of the groups at Baylor, including those of the National Pan-Hellenic, Multicultural Greek and Interfraternity councils. Under her leadership, the chapter took in its largest pledge class to date and now includes members of nearly every fraternity and sorority on campus.

SARAH DECOSMO Beta Delta Chapter Miami University Last summer, Sarah DeCosmo traveled to Tanzania with Growth International Volunteer Excursions, an organization that combines service and adventure. While visiting a number of villages, Sarah taught English and helped with construction projects to benefit the communities.

After serving people in the area, she hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

KATE FERSINGER [6] Lambda Kappa Chapter Appalachian State University Like other Zetas, Kate Fersinger is passionate about breast cancer education and awareness, so she jumped at the chance to volunteer with the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation. The founder of the organization (pictured on the left with Kate) then asked her to join the

board of directors as the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and organize volunteers for the foundation’s events, such as a 5K fundraiser.

Through this position, Kate has learned how to take responsibility for both her successes and failures and how to stay positive while facing challenges. This has affirmed her desire to pursue a career in nonprofit management.

MORGAN HARPER [7] Mu Chapter Drury University Drury University’s dean of architecture selected Morgan Harper to serve on the university’s Master Plan Task Force with the board of trustees and Drury’s president to devise a plan for improvements to the campus. Morgan, who serves as her chapter’s Parent Events Chairman, was one of only two students chosen for this position. She also earned a scholarship from the American Institute of Architecture.

BROOKE JENKINS [8] Delta Psi Chapter Samford University Interning with a professional baseball team would be exciting for any sports marketing major, but Brooke Jenkins hit a home run when she accepted a retail and marketing internship with her favorite team, the Houston Astros. Throughout the summer, Brooke got a lot of hands-on experience in areas such as managing

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the ten team stores in the stadium and working on a retail marketing budgeting project. Though her internship ended in August, Brooke’s department asked her to return to Houston in October to help out while the team hosted three games of the World Series, which the Astros ultimately won. *SUZANNA JOHNSON Beta Psi Chapter Stetson University In addition to running her own family law firm in Tampa, Florida, Suzanna Johnson volunteers as a pro bono attorney for several local organizations, including Crossroads for Florida Kids and St. Michael’s Legal Center for Women and Children, Inc. She also serves as the President of the Clearwater, FL Alumnae Chapter, Ritual and Judicial Advisor for Delta Beta Chapter (Florida Southern College), Florida Zeta Day 2019 Chairman and Treasurer for the Tampa Alumnae Panhellenic Association. *MARGARET KING [9] Gamma Delta Chapter University of Mississippi Margaret King (pictured on the right) was elected president of the Mississippi District Exchange Club.

During her year-long term, which began July 1, 2017, she is visiting all 31 Mississippi Exchange Clubs and serving as an ambassador of the National Exchange Club, whose

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platform is the prevention of child abuse. Margaret and her twin sister, Kat King (pictured on the left), are the authors of six books and enjoy entertaining with their unique kind of rap. They are both members of Gamma Delta Chapter and the Greater Oxford, MS Alumnae Chapter.

establish blood and nerve supplies to the muscles so they can be used in clinical settings. (Ashley is pictured at the top of the Table of Contents on page 3.)

GRACE KNIGHT Alpha Beta Chapter University of Pennsylvania Her Campus, a media brand that aims to empower collegiate women, named Grace Knight one of its “22 Under 22 Most Inspiring College Women.” Grace, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant, served more than 500 hours with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in high school and has raised more than $1.6 million for research. She also published “The Tangles of Life,” a collection of poems written by cystic fibrosis patients, which won the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Last spring, Andra Lancaster was awarded the Unsung Hero Award for the Midland Independent School District in Texas. This year, Andra took on the position of assistant principal at a brand new elementary school. Two other ZTA sisters—Leslie Goodrum (Gamma Tau Chapter, Texas Tech University) and Cadi Gillette (Delta Eta Chapter, West Texas A&M University) have also been involved with starting the new school as principal and sixthgrade teacher, respectively. All three women are members of the Midland, TX Alumnae Chapter, and Andra serves as the chapter President.

ASHLEY LABATTE Zeta Gamma Chapter Youngstown State University

*AMY LUNA-KLIBERT, PH.D. Mu Chapter Drury University

This semester, Zeta Gamma Chapter President Ashley Labatte accepted a research position with the biology department at Youngstown State University. She is currently working to perfect the process of 3-D printing stem cells in a grid pattern to allow for the growth of functioning muscle tissue. As she continues her work in the future, she hopes to

The Statesboro Herald in Georgia named Dr. Amy Luna-Klibert, Psychology Clinic Director at Georgia Southern University, one of its “20 Under 40” for her work in providing high-quality, low-cost mental health services to the community. She has also been proactive in training local professionals in identifying and advocating for people

*ANDRA LANCASTER Gamma Phi Chapter University of North Texas

Noble Achievements · Spring 2018 · 17

with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Amy serves as the Secretary of the Statesboro, GA Alumnae Chapter and as Financial Advisor for Zeta Xi Chapter (Georgia Southern University).

SONYA MACK [10] AND NAIHLA TEMPLE Lambda Gamma Chapter The University of Texas at San Antonio

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Two members of Lambda Gamma Chapter participated in separate service trips to Haiti. Sonya Mack (pictured) traveled to various villages with an organization called Mission of Hope Haiti. While there, she educated families on water and food safety and surveyed communities on their medical histories and needs so clinics can be established where they are most needed. Naihla Temple traveled with her home church, which sponsors an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, and helped plant a garden so the children will have access to healthy food. Both women enjoyed learning about a new culture and seeing the smiles of those they served. *KATHERINE MATHEWS Alpha Mu Chapter Washburn University

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In May, recent graduate Katherine Mathews received one of just three National Panhellenic Conference Foundation scholarships for her outstanding service to the Washburn University College Panhellenic during her undergraduate years.

She is currently pursuing a degree in optometry at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.

EMILY OLYHA [11] Kappa Phi Chapter Christopher Newport University

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As the former president of Christopher Newport University’s Panhellenic Council, Emily Olyha helped plan and host a Women’s Leadership Summit, which provided collegiate women with resources to thrive as strong female leaders. She was also a coordinator for the 2018

Coalition for Collegiate Women’s Leadership annual conference, which empowered women to engage in conversations about current issues on college campuses and in their organizations. Because of her hard work and dedication, Emily received her campus’ 2017 Fraternal Community Member of the Year Award. *JACLYN LINDBERGH PARSLOW Theta Omega Chapter California State Polytechnic University, Pomona High school teacher Jaclyn Parslow served on a teacher’s advisory committee for the American Psychological Association’s “I Am Psyched!” program, which aims to increase opportunities for women of color in the psychological sciences.

Jaclyn, who serves as the Historian of the Pasadena, CA Alumnae Chapter, reviewed educational materials for high school psychology teachers.

ANGELINA POOLE Iota Nu Chapter Susquehanna University Angelina Poole was recently elected student representative for Susquehanna University’s board of trustees. In her position, she attends student government association meetings every week and board meetings three times per year and acts as a liaison between the two groups.

Her role gives her the opportunity to be involved and contribute to positive change on campus. *REBECCA CAROLINE PRUITT [12] Iota Omicron Chapter Lander University At the beginning of her second year as a special education teacher at an elementary school in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Rebecca Caroline Pruitt received the 2017–18 Spartanburg District 7 Crystal Apple Award, which recognizes the outstanding work of a first-year teacher. She is a member of the Spartanburg, SC Alumnae Chapter.

KAITLYN RAEL [13] Delta Pi Chapter Eastern New Mexico University

*DARCY RUSSELL [14] Sigma Chapter Baker University

Delta Pi Chapter’s Risk Reduction and Education Chairman, Kaitlyn Rael, was crowned Reina of Eastern New Mexico University. As Reina, which means “queen” in Spanish, Kaitlyn represents her Latina culture at campus events and completes service projects with the university’s Office of Hispanic Affairs. She also received an academic scholarship with her title.

In January, Darcy Russell was named the National Panhellenic Conference’s Volunteer of the Month. She was recognized for her many roles, including chair of a “Think Tank” that is focused on the NPC structure, non-delegation area advisor, and member of the Release Figure Methodology (RFM) Leadership Team and Strategic Planning Committee.

On many campuses, she acts as a resource for RFM specialists during recruitment periods. Darcy (pictured on the left with another member of ZTA’s NPC team, Stacey Stegura) is a member of the Greater Kansas City, MO Alumnae Chapter.

*SISTER SHARON RAMBIN Eta Omega Chapter Louisiana State University in Shreveport Sister Sharon Rambin, a member of the Sisters for Christian Community, was selected as one of six finalists for the 2017 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Award for her work in improving health care for children. Ironically, the award’s namesake, Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee (Beta Iota Chapter, Centenary College of Louisiana), was also a Zeta. Sharon is a member of the Shreveport, LA Alumnae Chapter.

JULIET RUHE Upsilon Chapter University of California, Berkeley After competing as an elite rower and member of the 2013 High Performance Junior National Team in high school, Juliet Ruhe joined the University of California, Berkeley Women’s Rowing Team. Early on, she used her leadership skills to motivate her younger teammates to work toward a common goal.

With everyone working together, the team won the 2016 NCAA Rowing Championships and placed second in 2017. This year, due to recurring injuries, Juliet made the hard decision to stop rowing, but she wasn’t ready to leave the sport behind. She worked with her coaches to create the role of Team Manager so she can continue supporting her teammates both on and off the water.

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*LAURA MCKEEMAN RUTLEDGE Gamma Iota Chapter University of Florida After working as a reporter on “SEC Nation,” Laura Rutledge became a host of the traveling pre-game show for Southeastern Conference college football games. The show airs every Saturday morning during football season on the SEC Network. Laura, who is a member of the Atlanta, GA Alpha Alumnae Chapter, has been with ESPN and the SEC Network since 2014.

TARYN SCHREMS [15] Gamma Alpha Chapter University of Miami Over the summer, Taryn Schrems traveled to Sri Lanka, where her mother was born, to learn more about her heritage and to explore the medical field. As a pre-med student, Taryn enjoyed shadowing a physician at a local clinic, observing procedures and getting to know the patients. She also volunteered at an orphanage for girls, where she taught math and science lessons and played with the children after school. Through her experiences, Taryn became increasingly interested in global health care and developed a deeper appreciation for her mother’s culture and the people she met.

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15 Noble Achievements · Spring 2018 · 19

*JACQUELINE SMITH Theta Chi Chapter George Mason University

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Attorney Jacqueline Smith was elected clerk of the Circuit Court in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, Virginia.

Prior to taking on this position, Jacqueline’s law practice focused primarily on representing people injured in accidents in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and she provided pro bono legal work to those in need.

She is a member of the Western Fairfax, VA Alumnae Chapter. *STEPHENIE THOMPSON SMITH [16] Eta Rho Chapter The University of North Alabama

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One professional award is impressive, but two is even more extraordinary! In August, Stephenie Smith was named Buckhorn Middle School’s 2017–18 Teacher of the Year, and in October, she was named Madison County’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. She teaches science and is a member of the Huntsville, AL Alumnae Chapter.

KATIE STAGLIANO [17] Eta Lambda Chapter College of Charleston

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When she was just 9 years old, Katie Stagliano came up with the idea for Katie’s Krops, a nonprofit that empowers young people to grow vegetable gardens and donate the crops to feed those in need. Since then, the organization has grown, and Katie has been featured in multiple publications, including People magazine, and on the Disney Channel. She also received the Clinton Global Citizen Award, which Matt Damon presented to her. *ARTA GREENWOOD SZATHMARY [18] Zeta Lambda Chapter Rider University

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The YWCA of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, recognized Arta Szathmary as one of 22 “Women

Who Make a Difference.” Arta was recognized for her work teaching young women about computer science. She is a professor emeritus at Bucks County Community College, a member of the STEM Department, and a facilitator of “STEMgirlz” workshops for middle school students and “Girls Who Code” at a local high school. Arta is a White Violet member and the Website/ Technology Chairman of the MercerBucks, NJ Alumnae Chapter.

BROOKE WEGNER [19] Gamma Mu Chapter University of Nebraska at Omaha Out of dozens of applicants, Brooke Wegner was chosen to participate in a service immersion trip with her university’s fraternity/sorority community. The group traveled to Give Kids the World Village outside Orlando, Florida, to interact with children on Make-A-Wish® trips with their families. Brooke, who serves as her chapter’s Vice President I/ Coordinator of Committees, enjoyed going on rides with the children and helping with a talent show. She had such an amazing time, she not only applied for and was chosen to be a student leader of the next trip, but she also inspired some of her chapter sisters to apply for the trip as well. *KAYLEE WOODARD Delta Kappa Chapter Louisiana State University For the past three years, Kaylee Woodard has been conducting research in a physical chemistry lab at Louisiana State University, and she recently received a provisional patent for a new electrolyte she synthesized. According to her findings, the solution would improve the performance of lithium ion batteries and increase safety. Kaylee’s work was published after she presented her findings at the 231st Electrochemical Society Meeting, which featured speakers from all over the world. She is a member of the Baton Rouge, LA Alumnae Chapter.

reason she knew to call me when the fires broke out. If it weren’t for this connection through ZTA, we wouldn’t have gotten out.

Christie (pictured on the right): My daughter came home from a friend’s house and told me there were fires coming over the valley. As soon as I realized where it was, I immediately thought, that is where Betty is staying.

I texted her and then, when she didn’t answer, I called her. It was 12:08 a.m.

AFTER THE FIRE

By Kelley Fox, Contributing Writer When Betty Llorente (Gamma Alpha Chapter, University of Miami) reached out to her chapter sister Christie Mathis Peterson before a trip to northern California, near Christie’s home, she never imagined that renewed connection would save her life. Though they hadn’t seen each other in 20 years, Christie alerted Betty and her friends of wildfires that broke out near their vacation house and took them into her own home in the middle of the night. As they caught up amidst the excitement of the evening, it was like no time had passed between the two of them, proving Zeta Is Forever.

TELL US ABOUT THAT NIGHT. Betty (pictured on the left): The night before the fire, Christie asked where I was staying, so I sent her a pin. It’s crazy to think if I hadn’t done that, we may not have gotten out in time because that is the only

Betty: One of my friends went outside to get a feel for what was going on.

When he got back to the house, he yelled, “We have to move!” We had to wake up four people and just get out.

Somehow we did it in six minutes!

Christie: The police couldn’t move fast enough to evacuate people. The command center for the police was right around the corner from where Betty was staying. The fire moved a football length every three seconds.

The wind was moving 50 to 60 miles an hour. That has NEVER happened.

WHAT DOES THIS EXPERIENCE MEAN TO YOU IN TERMS OF LIFELONG SISTERHOOD? Betty: If it hadn’t been for ZTA and our chapter sister/Christie’s Big Sister Liz Taintor reminding me that Christie lives in Napa, I wouldn’t have known to reach out. We wouldn’t have had the conversation where we exchanged addresses. We agreed we would meet for dinner Tuesday or Wednesday of that week. Little did we know that we would meet in 24 hours. You just never think that a ZTA sister you haven’t seen in 20 years is going to save your life!

HOW HAS THIS OCCURRENCE CHANGED YOUR RELATIONSHIP

OR THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT EACH OTHER? Betty: Are you kidding me? Every time I talk to the friends I was with they ask how Christie is. When I think about that night and ZTA sisterhood, I can’t help but think of how Christie’s actions reflected so much of our Creed, but specifically “to think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world.” This woman, this sister, this friend...her text and her call demonstrated the Creed.

Christie: This changed everything! I feel like we are as close as we were in college, and we were only together for an hour. It was a really neat night for my daughters to see how important and impactful a sorority can be for the rest of your life. To my girls, my Big Sister Liz is like family.

So seeing this night and how my connection with Betty stemmed from Liz and our time in ZTA has shown them what sisterhood really is.

Betty: We are so grateful to Christie for taking in not just me but also five strangers. We experienced the true meaning of ZTA that evening.

Alumnae Profile · Spring 2018 · 21

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE through

LEADERSHIP

By Ellen Crawford, Editor Women in leadership positions have the power to spark change. Whether they are taking on big or small challenges, leaders have the opportunity to look at the way something has always been done and dare to imagine the way it could be done.

For years, Zeta Tau Alpha has been committed to developing its members through innovative programming and by creating leadership opportunities that allow women to learn and grow. As they become leaders and take on new tasks, Zetas know they have the support of their sisters to fall back on, making it easier for them to confidently push forward. The skills learned on college campuses and in alumnae chapters translate to the professional and personal lives of ZTA members and the amazing things they are doing in their communities.

T H E MIS 22 ¡ THEMIS ¡ xx

22 S PRING 2018

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As a nurse practitioner and staff coordinator, Priscilla Simms-Roberson (Zeta Chapter, University of Tennessee-Knoxville) is an active leader at Partnership Rape Crisis Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When she got her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, she chose to specialize in forensic nursing, which trains nurses to provide medical exams to patients who have been sexually assaulted and to collect samples that may be used as evidence in police investigations.

In addition to providing medical care, Priscilla is committed to doing everything she can to support her patients. “There’s a lot of research about things that can be done with victims of trauma to help improve long-term psychological outcomes,” she said. “I try to improve the experience that victims are going through.”

Priscilla would not have been able to bring this program to her community had she not developed leadership skills that helped her get where she is today. “In high school, I didn’t feel like a leader in anything,” she said.

“Find something “I participated, but I wasn’t you’re passionate responsible for anything about and learn as important.” That all changed, however, when she joined ZTA. much as you can Priscilla took on a variety of about it. See how you officer positions, including can get involved.”

Vice President II/New Member Coordinator, and eventually —PRISCILLA became the chapter President.

SIMMS-ROBERSON

Although Priscilla (pictured above) has provided sexual assault exams to both men and women for many years, in the last year she has been instrumental in bringing a new program to the center.

Thanks to a federal grant, she was able to help start a Domestic Assault Response Team, which provides forensic medical exams to victims of domestic assault at no cost to the patients. Along with two other nurses, Priscilla took a 24-hour course on conducting these specific exams, developed a program that worked for the center and started offering the service in September 2017. This was the first program of its kind in Tennessee.

In ZTA, Priscilla learned how to motivate others. Whether it was encouraging her sisters to attend chapter meetings or getting the community excited about philanthropic events, the tactics she learned for increasing involvement help her manage other nurses. From working with new

members, Priscilla also discovered her interest in teaching, which led her to become a nursing instructor as well.

“That leadership experience changed the rest of my life,” she said. “It gave me the feeling that I could be a leader in an organization and impact other people’s lives.” With that confidence, she has been able to make a positive change in her community.

Similarly, being part of ZTA inspired Sarah McKenzie Seitz (Zeta Phi Chapter, University of South Alabama) to make a change in her community because, even as a collegian, she was encouraged to get involved with activities in the area surrounding her campus. Now, Sarah (pictured with her students) is a member of the Mobile, AL Alumnae Chapter, and she continues to benefit from connections with ZTA sisters.

“Seeing what others are doing is inspiring,” she said. “Everybody has different skills. I learn from them and they learn a little bit from me.”

Her alumnae sisters have also been great cheerleaders for Sarah as she has worked to make a difference in her community. After teaching kindergarten in public schools for 30 years and being named her county’s Feature · Spring 2018 · 25

2010 Teacher of the Year, Sarah got the opportunity of a lifetime when she heard the local Rotary Youth Club, which she had work with during her summer breaks, wanted to open a new pre-K program. Sarah has always been passionate about the importance of children having access to pre-K, but there weren’t enough spots to serve all the students in the county.

“I believe if you don’t catch children before they begin kindergarten, you’ve already lost some of the skills they’re going to need in order to be successful in school and in life,” she said. In her classrooms over the years, Sarah saw firsthand the disadvantage some children had if they didn’t already know how to write their names, identify letters of the alphabet or get along with others. “They had this huge gap that was more difficult to close because once they got to kindergarten and first grade, the academics were pushed on them so quickly and the structured environment put a lot of pressure on them.”

Attending a pre-K program, however, helps to bridge that gap. “Pre-K programs are more relaxed and more developmentally appropriate for the age,” Sarah explained. “They allow children to figure out how things work while the teachers are still instructing them without the children even realizing they’re learning. If they don’t get those basic things before they go to a school setting, they’re lost.”

Sarah knew she had to follow her dream, so she retired from public schools. She spent about six months working as a consultant to prepare the pre-K program and helped open it last year with just a handful of children. “The community we’re 26 · THEMIS · Feature

serving is a low socioeconomic community,” she said. “We charge families a little bit, based on their income, but we decided we wouldn’t turn anyone away.”

At the end of the school year, the director of the program applied for a grant from the state of Alabama, which allowed them to expand the program and buy new equipment for the children. “It’s been a great fit,” Sarah said. “I’ve been able to do something I always hoped to do, and the community, the families and the board are all behind me.” With such great support coming from every side, Sarah has been able to make the most of her leadership opportunity.

Luckily for Zetas, it’s easy to find support in ZTA through Big Sisters and alumnae chapters made up of women of all ages from different backgrounds and across all levels of professional experience. For Rachel Zuckerman (Alpha Omicron Chapter, The University of Iowa), support from mentors was a key element in developing her leadership strengths.

“Young women looking to make a difference should identify a mentor who will help them achieve their goals,” she said. For Rachel (pictured on the right), those goals included becoming her university’s student body president her senior year.

“I decided to take on that role because, through my experiences with ZTA, as a Resident Assistant for two years and just from interacting with students, I saw the real issues our student body was facing,” she said. While she had been involved with student government since her freshman year, Rachel thought the

group could be doing more, so she stepped up.

From serving as her chapter’s Service Chairman and Ritual Chairman, which were among her first leadership positions on campus, Rachel developed the skills that later helped her lead the student body.

She learned how important it is for good leaders to be good listeners, how to empower others to speak up for themselves, how to lead in a valuesdriven way and how to inspire others with her vision.

During her term, she worked to address issues like getting students access to mental health services in a timely manner and supporting those who were facing financial challenges that forced them to choose between buying a textbook and buying food.

In just a year, Rachel and the other student leaders made great progress.

“I learned a committed group of people who are willing to listen to the stories of others and drive those lessons into actionable change can lead their community in really profound ways,” she said. “I also learned inclusive communities are the strongest communities.”

Now, Rachel is using those lessons as she works in local politics

“Everywhere I go, I try to do my piece to make things at least a little bit better.”

—RACHEL ZUCKERMAN

and at the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, a workforce development nonprofit. She is also gearing up for a master’s program that will begin in August 2018. She was chosen to be a Schwarzman Scholar, which was modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship program and is designed to give future leaders an understanding of the role China plays as a global power. During her program, Rachel will study global affairs and public policy in Beijing.

“It’s not always easy to be a young woman who is outspoken about political issues. It challenges the narrative of what is expected from young women,” she said. “But I think it’s important that we stand strong, have steadfast opinions and fight for the issues we care about.”

She first found that confidence in ZTA, and she believes other women can pave the way for the next generation. “Sororities are a place where young women can discuss issues they care about and find a community of people who believe in the same things they do. Together, they realize they have the collective power to effect change.”

Part of Rachel’s ZTA experience has also been about sisters empowering one another to realize their full potential. “Change doesn’t have to be monumental or require a title,” she said. “If every one of our sisters tried to do one little thing to address an issue that they see affecting their community, we would move mountains. It requires a little bit of time, a lot of passion and a desire to improve the lives of the people around you.”

Feature · Spring 2018 · 27

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F R O M D AY

By Kaelin Beaty, Contributing Writer Most Zetas, even those who have been members for more than 50 years, remember the excitement and joy they felt when they first joined Zeta Tau Alpha. Beyond those common feelings, however, the experience of going through recruitment and becoming a new member now is quite different from what it was in years past. Today, collegians have traded skits and frills for values-based recruitment, which focuses on forming genuine connections with potential new members (PNMs) from the very beginning so PNMs understand what true ZTA sisterhood is all about.

Today’s collegians have different motivations and reasons for joining, and the New Member Experience has changed drastically over the years (see the Archives story on page 42 for more), but the ritual and importance of sisterhood remain.

Below, two collegians in their first year of membership share what drew them to ZTA and how their experiences as new sisters have already impacted their lives, and a General Advisor gives her perspective on why alumnae should care about the newest members joining our sisterhood.

One semester of membership Casey Carroll (Lambda Lambda Chapter, Kennesaw State University) joined Zeta Tau Alpha in the fall of 2017, but she admitted she originally believed Primary Recruitment was not for her. Though she was unsure about sorority life, visiting ZTA changed her mind. She felt a natural connection to the women in ZTA and felt like she was part of them already. It was the genuine, easy conversation that she was drawn to. During her many conversations with Zetas during recruitment, Casey remembers constantly thinking, “She’s just like me.”

Feature · Spring 2018 · 31

Almost immediately after joining, Casey began her leadership journey as a member of the nominating committee, which helps interview and slate the next Executive Committee.

She was unsure about getting involved right after Bid Day, but being on the nominating committee made her eager to pursue a leadership role. With the new Executive Committee taking office, Casey believed she would have to wait before taking on a leadership position of her own, so it came as a surprise when the chapter President called to offer her the open position of Recording Secretary. She was thrilled to have an opportunity to serve her chapter as an EC member. “I learned that even though I may not always see potential in myself, others see potential in me,” she said. Sometimes that’s what future leaders need the most—encouragement and support from others to help them reach for goals they may not think are possible.

herself and others, and she attributes much of her personal development to being on Executive Committee.

Overall, becoming a leader in her chapter and serving her sisters has allowed her to see that from the start, ZTA is welcoming, encouraging and supportive in every capacity. As she continues on her ZTA journey, she hopes to continue holding leadership positions within her chapter and making a difference in any way she can.

Today, Casey is thankful to ZTA for bringing her out of her shell as she was shy and reserved before joining. ZTA instilled the confidence she needed to be more open with

Having been a Zeta for one year now, Reagan Owens (Theta Zeta Chapter, Wofford College) had a lot to say regarding her experience thus far. Reagan joined ZTA in the spring

Casey’s favorite experience thus far has been Zeta Day. There, she was surprised to reconnect with many hometown friends who had joined ZTA on other campuses around the state without her knowing. She now feels connected to those friends on a deeper level because they share the same values and experiences.

One year of membership

of 2017, after her first semester of freshman year. Once she became a Zeta, she realized what she had been missing before she joined this sisterhood. She is proud to say she has learned so much about herself this past year, specifically in developing her leadership style and other life skills such as time management and balancing her responsibilities.

Recruitment for Reagan began with two nights of open houses and philanthropy rounds. She was drawn to ZTA because the women were genuine and personable, and they made her feel welcomed and comfortable. She specifically remembers being “wowed” by ZTA, as the sisters she met remembered her name each day and made her feel valued. ZTA’s values were also key in Reagan’s decision to become a Zeta and why she is so passionate about sharing her ZTA story. She loves that in Zeta Tau Alpha, her sisters want her to be who she is and not who they want her to be.

This year, as Reagan experienced recruitment from the other side, her goal was to ensure PNMs saw

PICTURED ABOVE: During her first recruitment as a ZTA member, Reagan Owens (pictured on the right) made sure potential new members felt valued and welcomed like she did when she went through recruitment. PICTURED ON THE NEXT PAGE: Casey Carroll posed with Lambda Lambda Chapter’s link in ZTA’s Chain of Chapters.

32 · THEMIS · Feature

the same genuine and personable traits that she first noticed. She specifically wanted PNMs to meet as many Zetas as they could in order to get a true grasp of her chapter’s sisterhood. Reagan put importance on Preference Night and made sure she expressed how much she and the chapter truly cared about the PNMs as friends and potential sisters. She made her passion for sisterhood evident through her conversations and tried to make each PNM feel as valued as she did when she went through recruitment.

In ZTA, Reagan has learned to become more open, less reserved and confident in her leadership abilities.

The same support she received from her chapter sisters during recruitment has continued, and she has felt empowered by the encouragement they provide. Because her sisters saw her potential to make a difference in their chapter, Reagan currently holds the position of Recording Secretary on Executive Committee.

As many can agree, Zetas are extremely passionate about ZTA’s philanthropy, and Reagan is no different. Her favorite memory so far has been Shagathon, a shagging dance competition and fundraiser her chapter hosts each spring. Her first Shagathon was only two weeks after Bid Day, but by then Reagan already felt like a valued member of her chapter, and she loved working with her sisters toward a common goal.

After an amazing first year in Zeta Tau Alpha, Reagan is looking forward to continuing to build her chapter’s sisterhood and morale and proving that being a Zeta is about more than just being a part of a sorority; it’s about being part of something much more meaningful.

An advisor’s perspective As the General Advisor for the Kappa Xi Chapter at Stockton University, alumna Stephanie Toal (Lambda Xi Chapter, Seton Hall University),

has the opportunity to see what today’s recruitment is like and what motivates current PNMs to become ZTA’s newest members. She supports Kappa Xi Chapter in recruitment by facilitating conversation review workshops, training members on the logistical aspects of Primary Recruitment and working in a behindthe-scenes role to assist the chapter’s recruitment team in many ways.

Stephanie has seen firsthand what young women going through recruitment now are looking for in a sorority experience. ZTA chapters aim to continuously uphold our Nine Key Values, which, according to Stephanie, is one of the reasons why PNMs want to join ZTA. Values play a huge role in first impressions, and today’s PNMs pick up on what ZTA is all about within the first few days of recruitment. From her experience, Stephanie has seen that current collegians are focused on finding sororities that go against the stereotype, and Zetas have a way of breaking those barriers and letting their true selves shine through, allowing PNMs to see the real meaning of ZTA sisterhood.

As a collegiate chapter volunteer, Stephanie believes it is extremely important for alumnae to care about today’s recruitment because ZTA’s newest members are the legacy of those generations that have come before them.

Today’s alumnae, regardless of when they joined, have an incredible amount of wisdom and insight to give collegians and to contribute to the New Member - CASEY CARROLL Experience based on the shared values of ZTA and a combined love for our sisterhood.

“I learned that even though I may not always see potential in myself, others see potential in me.”

Feature · Spring 2018 · 33

ZTA GEARS UP FOR 2018 HILL VISITS

Collegians and alumnae, including Executive Director Meghan Vicinus Parker (pictured third from the left) and former National President Alice McCann Mathews (pictured on the far right), gathered in Washington for the 2017 Hill Visits.

By Alice McCann Mathews, Contributing Writer

Spending a day on Capitol Hill advocating for the fraternal experience and its future is important, exhausting and definitely rewarding. Each spring, Zeta Tau Alpha sends outstanding campus and chapter leaders to Washington to advocate for legislation that is important to the success of fraternity and sorority organizations across the country. The upcoming “Hill Visits” will take place April 23–26, 2018.

As ZTA’s National President in 2000, I joined the early discussions of a partnership between the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference to develop a “voice” to promote the legislative priorities of the fraternity and sorority community through political activism. This partnership was formed and has grown into the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition that now represents 95 fraternities and sororities nationwide with 756,000 undergraduate members in 9,300 chapters on more than 800 34 · THEMIS · National Panhellenic Conference News

campuses. The Coalition exists to provide collaboration, representation and balance to an interfraternal approach to government relations.

Why are these efforts important?

As early as the 1970s, fraternity/ sorority leaders advocated for singlesex status when our organizations were threatened. We have long believed these rights to be protected through Title IX, which passed in 1972 and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federallyfunded education program or activity. In 1974, Congress affirmed the importance of single-sex organizations by amending Title IX to clarify that a university may recognize single-sex organizations and allow them to operate on campus.

However, various campuses, such as Harvard University, have recently been trying to force fraternities and sororities to become co-ed. The adoption of these policies has raised questions about Title IX and our

constitutional freedoms to assemble/ associate. More than ever, we must stand together to protect these freedoms as single-sex organizations, students’ rights to join these organizations and our right to exist as Zeta Tau Alpha.

In recent news, campus administrators have suspended fraternity/sorority systems due to the alleged crimes or misconduct of an individual member of a student organization as rationale to suspend activities for the entire organization.

We believe the operations of these systems should not be restricted in instances when a member or members of one organization violates the rules. Thus, we are asking the House and Senate to include language affirming the right of student organizations to a fair and transparent campus disciplinary process including due process in the Higher Education Act, the nation’s comprehensive law governing postsecondary education.

For ZTA representatives, participation in this process has been an incredible experience. The students are selected based on their interest in the legislative process, experience and fields of study. Our collegians have ranged from student government presidents and former Hill interns to government relations majors.

This opportunity has opened doors for their futures and led to staff appointments, law school acceptance and job offers from lobbying firms.

future career path), but I was using the leadership skills and confidence ZTA gave me to have these powerful conversations.” Katie now serves as Assistant Director of Student Life/ IFC & IGC Fraternity Advisor at the University of Central Arkansas.

Among this year’s participants are Chelsea Spence (Alpha Psi Chapter, University of Missouri) and Frances Burton (Lambda Iota Chapter, Vanderbilt University).

Chelsea was interested because the Amy Davenport (Beta Delta Chapter, program involves the two things Miami University) participated in the she is most passionate about as an Hill Visits in 2011. She is now a senior undergraduate: politics and ZTA. A policy specialist for Arnold & Porter Congressional intern last summer, Kaye Scholer LLP, a lobbying firm she is now a student lobbyist at involved with fraternal legislation. the Missouri State Capitol and has “I’m grateful to served on Alpha Psi play a part in Chapter’s Executive helping ensure Committee for two that future terms. Frances generations of applied because she college students hoped for a chance will have the to transition her opportunity to belief in active join a singlecitizenship into sex organization a more formal that will provide experience, them with something that opportunities will benefit her for personal personal and growth, professional leadership development. “At development the same time, I and a strong will be doing so community of on behalf of an sisters the way organization that ZTA did for me,” Two collegians joined Executive Director Meghan means so much to she said. me,” she said.

Vicinus Parker (center) on Capitol Hill—Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity member Kerry Rugenstein (Drexel

Katie Frazier As Americans, University) and ZTA member Kelly Sweeney (Iota Nu (Theta Theta we are entitled Chapter, Susquehanna University). Participants had the opportunity to meet with politicians to discuss issues Chapter, to speak up for that are important to the fraternity/sorority experience.

Arkansas Tech what we believe University) also in. Through spoke highly of her participation participation in these annual Hill in the Hill Visits in 2016. “The Visits, ZTA is working to protect Congressional visit in 2016 was our fraternal way of life so that one of the most transformative generations to come can receive experiences I have had with Zeta the same lifelong opportunities of Tau Alpha,” she said. “Not only was membership that we enjoy. We can I lobbying for issues near and dear all agree this is worth fighting for. to fraternity and sorority life (my National Panhellenic Conference News · Spring 2018 · 35

MOVING TO CARMEL: THAT’S A WRAP

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE Stay tuned for the summer issue of Themis, which will feature pictures of the new International Office!

By Christy Marx Barber, Staff Writer Imagine a family of 36 living in the same home for 24 years. Each family member has a space he or she has decorated and filled with personal items and computer equipment. The home has closets and rooms stuffed to the brim with some really important and valuable items and some outdated things that could stand to be replaced.

Now imagine that family moving to a new home in the depths of a Midwestern winter. What could possibly go wrong?

In the real life story of Zeta Tau Alpha’s International Office moving from 3450 Founders Road in Indianapolis to 1036 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel, Indiana, what went wrong was a snow and ice storm.

What went right was the organization and flexibility of the IO staff that produced a nearly seamless move.

“The IO staff supports everything we do in ZTA. They are like family,” Fraternity Housing Corporation President Julia Marthaler Hill said.

“Their excitement, understanding and cooperation was fabulous during every phase of the moving process.”

ZTA announced plans to move to Carmel in July 2015. The FHC found a building to renovate in a perfect location in December 2016. When the FHC sold 3450 Founders Road to the American Legion Auxiliary in October 2017, the move was on.

In September 2017, Executive Director Meghan Vicinus Parker appointed the staff moving leadership team: Senior 36 · THEMIS · Fraternity Housing Corporation News

Director of Operations & Personnel Carrie Armentrout Hoffeditz, Archivist Patti Cords Levitte and Director of Properties Suzanne Brittain. “We were very intentional about choosing the leadership team,” Mrs. Parker said. “Based on their staff roles it made sense, but they were also clearly qualified based on their individual experiences.”

Carrie, a former Leadership Consultant, started working at IO in 2010 and knew the building and its operations inside and out. Patti had a clear understanding of what needed to be saved for historical purposes, and she worked in moving and logistics for a major retailer in the past. Suzanne previously worked for Delta Delta Delta Fraternity during its move to a new office. Having been hired by ZTA in April 2017, she saw office operations with fresh eyes and could ask, “Do we need to keep that?”

The team met every Friday for planning, purging and packing. “We first went through every closet, every cabinet and every drawer, assessing functionality,” Carrie said. “As we did, we tried to improve office processes.”

Two vendors also assisted the team: Crown/Wheaton Moving and Promethius Consulting.

PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Carrie Armentrout Hoffeditz, Meghan Vicinus Parker, Patti Cords Levitte and Suzanne Brittain were instrumental in orchestrating the move of International Office.

“We loved that the moving company had Crown in its name,” Suzanne said, “but we chose them because they promised to deliver a smooth transition with a crate tracking system.”

Promethius handled the moving of technology. Employees received bags, labeled with their new office room numbers, for their phones, keyboards, monitors and computers. The office was without internet or phone access for just one day—Friday, Jan. 12.

But no one could control the weather.

“On that morning, we had an ice and snow storm,” Mrs. Parker recalled.

“We would have closed the office if we weren’t moving that day. But everyone showed up, got all their things packed and got out early before the snow started again.”

The weather posed the biggest problem for Patti, who was responsible for moving ZTA’s most cherished items—the Founders’ belongings, historic photos and documents, gowns belonging to 12

DID YOU KNOW? former National Presidents and Maud Jones Horner’s wedding dress.

“None of them were handled by the moving company,” Patti said. “We drove them all to the new building in cars, strapped in seat belts, through subdivisions rather than on the interstate. We slid the boxes of dresses into plastic to protect them from the snow and ice and put them into heated cars so their temperature remained the same. I was one proud mother when we delivered everything safely to our new home.”

Despite the nasty weather, Crown/ Wheaton moved everything to Rangeline Road over the three-day weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Promethius had the phones and internet working when the staff arrived at the new office on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The moving team greeted each employee at the door with coffee and donuts and ordered pizzas for lunch.

“I was impressed by the flexibility and patience of our staff. They had known for two years this was coming, but there was some nervous energy,” Mrs.

Parker said. “For some, the commute is better; for others, it is worse. Their locations in the new building are different than the old. In reality, we changed their community.”

Mrs. Parker also appreciated the involvement of Mrs. Hill, ZTA Foundation President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan and Foundation Vice President of Development Cynthia Byars Courtney. “They were equally committed to the success of the move. It’s their home away from home as well,” Mrs. Parker said. “But they were not intrusive. They allowed us the autonomy to meet our staff’s needs for functionality while making sure the building was beautiful.”

Carrie believes the transformation of the new building from a home health care office to the headquarters of a women’s leadership organization epitomizes ZTA. “This building has the feeling of home, but it’s new and shiny, and that’s always fun,” she said. “When you walk through the front door, you feel the prestige of our Fraternity.”

18 IO STAFFER S A R E A L S O Z TA A LU M N A E

Meghan Vicinus Parker Alpha Upsilon, Oklahoma State University Christy Marx Barber Alpha Psi, University of Missouri Suzanne Brittain Theta Omicron, Baylor University Monica Ceja Lambda Gamma, The University of Texas at San Antonio Clare Denhollem Delta Nu, The University of New Orleans Becky Koltonski Gleason Delta Delta, Baldwin Wallace University Erin Thornburg Hartley Alpha Theta, Purdue University Carrie Armentrout Hoffeditz Eta Lambda, College of Charleston Alaina Hodges Judge Lambda Epsilon, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Patti Cords Levitte Beta Phi, Michigan State University Karen Markle Zeta Alpha, University of Evansville Lauren McMahon Beta Delta, Miami University Megan Latchford Morgan Kappa Sigma, University of South Florida Caitlin Moulton-Towle Gamma Rho, Auburn University Jamie Rae Parker Beta Nu, New Mexico State University Hailey Rogers Delta Psi, Samford University Caroline Villarreal Alpha, Longwood University Kourtni Williams Gamma Chi, Indiana State University

ZTA FOUNDATION FUNDS HAVE MAJOR IMPACT

By Ashley Sherman, Senior Director of Communication

The mission of the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, based on the values set forth in The Creed, states that the Foundation will “support programs which are educational, philanthropic and always responsive to the needs of a changing society.”

Every year, sisters help the Foundation achieve its mission by raising funds for leadership and educational programming, Think Pink® efforts and academic scholarships. These initiatives make a difference in the lives of our sisters and their communities.

During the 2016–2017 fiscal year, 43 percent of program expenses went toward educational programming for collegians and advisors, including Behind Happy Faces, the Alcohol Skills Training Program and My Sister, My Responsibility. Funds also helped ZTA pilot new Officer Leadership Academies, which replaced regional-, province- and state-wide officer trainings this winter.

partner with the American Cancer Society®, the National Football League and Bright Pink®.

Philanthropic funds supported ZTA’s ongoing breast cancer education and awareness efforts. ZTA continues to

Explore the following breakdown for a more complete look at how donations are used.

TOTA L I NCOME

After dedicating 24 percent of total expenses to the scholarship program last year, the ZTA Foundation has awarded more than $9 million in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students since its founding in 1954.

TOTA L E X P E N S E S

$3,750,249

$3,626,429

67%

18%

14%

1%

13%

24%

27%

36%

GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS

PHILANTHROPY CONTRIBUTIONS

SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE

SCHOLARSHIP

PHILANTHROPY

PROGRAMS

P HI L A N THROPY EXP E NSES

SC HOL ARSHIP EXPENSES

4%

SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS

17%

OTHER PHILANTHROPY

10%

3%

AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS

FOUNDERS GRANTS

52%

47%

THINK PINK®

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

11%

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

31%

DESIGNATED SERVICE

38 · THEMIS · ZTA Foundation News

25%

RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIPS

P ROGR A M EX PEN S ES

1% 2% 1%

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS THEMIS HOUSING SEMINAR

The above grant covers registration costs for the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute, Themis expenses go toward educational content in ZTA’s quarterly magazine, and the Housing Seminar, which is held at National Leadership Conference, provides comprehensive training for House Directors.

E D U C ATI ONAL P ROG R AM M I NG Below is a breakdown of the 43 percent of the program expenses allocated for educational programming (see left column).

24% NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The ZTA Foundation funds the leadership development and educational programming that takes place at NLC.

P RO G R A M D E VE LO PM E N T

Includes the creation of educational curriculum that supports the academic and leadership development of our members, such as the Z-Learning online platform.

55%

29% LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS

M IS C E L L A N E O U S E D U C AT IO N A L P RO G R A M M IN G

Funding supports the leadership training and lessons in management skills and organizational development given to collegiate chapters by ZTA’s Leadership Consultants.

Programming that supports and develops our members, like Behind Happy Faces and the pilot of the new Officer Leadership Academies, is funded from this category.

43% EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

11%

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE EXPENSES These expenses cover important educational programs such as the Alcohol Skills Training Program, GreekLifeEdu™ and risk-reduction poster campaigns.

7%

E D U C AT IO N A L T E C H N O LO G Y EXPENSES These funds support the IT aspects of educational programs, platforms, databases and email systems used by International Office to communicate information and resources to members.

ZTA Foundation News · Spring 2018 · 39

3

4

1

5

2

OLD

MAUDDONALD had a farm . . . Z-T-Z-T-A 40 · THEMIS · Points of Pride

6

7 9

8 1. Gianna Gazich (Theta Phi Chapter, California State University, Fullerton) and her buddy Beau showed their support for breast cancer education and awareness at Theta Phi’s annual philanthropy event.

2. Since 2005, alumna Teresa Heim (Alpha Psi Chapter, University of Missouri) has been the guardian of Desmond, a 25-year-old African Sulcata tortoise who enjoys bright red tomatoes.

3. Theo keeps things classy in his colorful bow tie, courtesy of alumna Chelsea Foglio (Eta Kappa Chapter, University of Central Florida).

4. Black Lab Remington loves modeling her favorite Think Pink® T-shirt and helping Province President

10 III-B Erin Koster (Gamma Beta Chapter, Washington College) distribute pink ribbons.

5. Victoria Kennedy (pictured on the right) enjoys spending time with two of her favorites: her Siberian husky, Nala, and her Big Sister, Aleah Sanchez (Delta Kappa Chapter, Louisiana State University).

6. Chihuahua mix Clark may be small, but he has a big heart for ZTA. He proudly sports a pink ribbon when out and about with Josie Hook (Lambda Nu Chapter, Furman University).

7. Even cows look better in turquoise. Alumna Sidney Walls (Beta Omega Chapter, Union University) gave her cows a little ZTA flair with these on-brand ear tags.

8. As the grand-cat of a 27-year breast cancer survivor, Colby fully supports ZTA’s philanthropy. This cuddly kitty was rescued by the current President of the Mobile, AL Alumnae Chapter, Beth Lakey Springle (Zeta Phi Chapter, University of South Alabama).

9. Alumna Jaime Rae Parker (Beta Nu Chapter, New Mexico State University) knows fish are friends, especially her pal Taco.

10. During visits to the dog park with Tabby Swanson (Delta Upsilon Chapter, West Virginia Wesleyan College), Baxter is always the most fashionable guy around thanks to his pink ribbon bandanna.

Points of Pride · Spring 2018 · 41

A LOOK BACK AT THE EDUCATION OF NEW MEMBERS

By Patti Cords Levitte, Archivist, and Susan Beard, Archives Committee Chairman

At this point in the school year, our newest Zetas who joined in the spring of 2018 have been initiated and have experienced the fun of learning about Zeta Tau Alpha through the Zeta Is Forever New Member Experience.

These seven in-person meetings, as well as online lessons, help build sisterhood and an understanding of our organization before Initiation.

Every new member across the country has the benefit of learning about ZTA through our standardized program. As ZTA has grown over the years, so has our method of teaching new members the values and history of our organization.

In our early history, ZTA’s new member education was inconsistent. It was common in the earliest years of Alpha Chapter (Longwood University) to extend a bid to a woman and initiate her within a day or so. Knowledge and love for the Fraternity would come as she got to know the chapter. There was no formal recruitment and the pool of potential new members was small, so it was necessary to secure a new member as quickly as possible, then chapter members could focus on educating her. This was also before any NPC recruitment rules existed.

As ZTA expanded by chartering new chapters, it was determined that women entering our Fraternity needed to be educated about ZTA 42 · THEMIS · Archives

and the broader fraternity/ sorority system. That task was often left up to local alumnae, so what a member learned in Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) might have been very different from what a member learned in Alpha Chapter. Our second Grand President, Bruce Houston Davis, was the first to come up with an exam for members to take to show their proficiency in fraternity/ sorority knowledge. Her first attempt (pictured on the next page) appeared to be very difficult, and it was not as focused on ZTA as one would expect. Soon after that, it became a requirement for every new member to purchase a copy of The Sorority Handbook, which was written by Sarah Ida Shaw Martin, one of the founders of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Mrs. Martin, who was a leader in the development of national sororities, was considered the expert on all things Panhellenic.

This broad-based knowledge of fraternity and sorority life was supplemented by alumnae teaching new members about both their local chapter and ZTA as an organization.

Mrs. Davis later refined her first exam into a yearly ZTA test that served as the main source of ZTA knowledge.

Every collegiate member had to take the test each year, and woe to the member whose score was below the

national average, because the results were published in Themis! This public posting of grades only occurred for a few years as it served to have the opposite effect Grand Chapter had hoped for and was generally disliked.

By the time Shirley Kreasan Krieg Strout joined Grand Chapter as the Editor/Historian, she knew the erratic training given to incoming members was no longer enough.

After The History of Zeta Tau Alpha was published in 1928, every member paid for and received the two-volume set of books as part of her initiation

fee. This continued to be part of the new member education process for decades. Still, even providing a written history of ZTA did not seem to solve the problem of making sure members knew about the organization. So, at Convention 1930, National Inspector Mildred Spragg made the following recommendation: “Realizing the importance of every chapter printing a manual of instructions for its pledges, I have emphasized this feature of pledge training and worked out innumerable manuals for chapters not having them… The need of a national manual has been repeatedly expressed, and to this end I have worked out a manual as a suggested outline for the incoming Grand Chapter.”

Her recommendation was passed, and in 1932, the first edition of the Zeta Tau Alpha Pledge Manual rolled off the presses. The first manual also called for new members to study The History of Zeta Tau Alpha, Baird’s Manual of American Fraternities, Roberts’ Rules of Order and the Panhellenic Manual of Information to have a well-rounded education.

New members had to take on the responsibility of learning outside of their new member meetings, and they were expected to do so.

ZTA’s pledge manual went through many revisions over the years, including name changes. It was called Through Open Doors, The Guidon and, beginning in the 1973, Zeta Is Forever. The basic information stayed the same, but the methods of learning developed and eventually included computer-based programs.

As NPC recommended shorter pledging periods for new members over the years, ZTA adjusted its new member education accordingly.

ZTA currently has educational programs for every year of the collegiate membership experience, so learning about our Fraternity is no longer something that only happens at the beginning of a member’s ZTA career. The more sisters know about ZTA, the deeper the appreciation and love for our Fraternity grow, which is why so much emphasis has been given to new member education. Hopefully, knowledge of our rich history will be an inspiration to our new members and future leaders.

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 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 the Communication Department by emailing news@zetataualpha.org. All submissions become the property of ZTA and are subject to editing. Include full names and chapter(s). 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, 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032. 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, 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032.

Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference. © 2018 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.

PICTURED ON PAGE 42: These pledge and new member manuals were used from 1932 to 1970. PICTURED ABOVE, LEFT: This handwritten test, created by Bruce Houston Davis, was the first national exam for all members. PICTURED ABOVE, RIGHT: If a member didn’t have a good grasp on ZTA knowledge, the entire Fraternity knew about it. This page from the November 1909 issue of Themis has a stern message from the Grand President at the time, Dr. May Agness Hopkins, as well as individual grades for members.

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

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1036 S. RANGELINE ROAD, CARMEL, IN 46032 ZETATAUALPHA.ORG

44 · THEMIS · xx