For the last 18 years, I’ve had the joy of serving as the Recruitment Advisor for Beta Nu Chapter at New Mexico State University. In that time, I’ve seen a lot: shifting Panhellenic rules, voting system upgrades and even bumping via Zoom. Somewhere along the way, I also got married and became a mom to two amazing daughters, who’ve been raised in the ZTA house since day one.
Beta Nu is part of a smaller—but strong—Panhellenic system, with five sororities on campus. I may be a little biased, but Beta Nu has always brought the energy when it comes to recruitment and is at the top at NMSU. We’re blessed with incredible alumnae who come back year after year to help—whether it’s running conversation workshops, cheering on members during bumping practice or supporting behind the scenes. We’ve had sisters serve as Leadership Consultants (congrats to 2025-26 LC, Serenity Leal!), National Officers and as members of National Council. Shoutout to Kat Lopez, Fundraising Finances Management Committee member, and Vice President Collegiate III Jacque Green Lish for always being there!
Recruitment has changed a lot since I started. We used to tally paper ballots into spreadsheets for hours. Those late nights (more like early mornings) were some of my favorite memories—advisors crunching numbers while collegians decorated, danced and sang in the background. These days, online tools have streamlined the process, but the laughter, glitter and TikTok dance breaks are still going strong.
One of my most memorable recruitments was in 2020. Despite the pandemic challenges, ZTA provided amazing support. Our Vice President III/Membership Chair at the time, Amada Franco, led with creativity and heart—hosting virtual workshops and even organizing a bumping session on Zoom with alumnae from all over the country. Seeing my own new member class sisters join was a highlight, and watching collegians bond with alumnae was such a beautiful reminder of the lifelong connection we share.
In 2024, I identified the need to have more time for my girls, now nearly 12 and 16, and the crown was passed down to a new Recruitment Advisor, Amada — yes, that Amada from 2020. Talk about full circle. My love for ZTA and this chapter keeps me coming back every year. Zeta Is Forever and I’m ever grateful to ZTA for all the memories.
CINDY BERTOLDO BROWN Beta Nu
Chapter, New Mexico State University
Finding sisterhood isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about finding belonging. Learn about the formula that helps potential new members find their home.
Read more about Charlotte Pattillo (Theta Eta, (Stephen F. Austin State University) on page 44.
ZTA celebrates the reactivation of its 227th link at Monmouth University. Read about this full circle moment for ZTA’s Extension Director!
These six sisters don’t shy away from the spotlight! Meet a Tony Award-winner, singer, TV actress, acrobat, dancer and cellist who are passionate about their performances.
VOLUME 123 NUMBER 4 SUMMER 2025
1036 S. Rangeline Road Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 872–0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org
STAFF
Creative Manager
Kahlie Cannon Day
Graphic Designer Alex Arthur
Staff Writer/Copy Editor
Lisa Perry, Alpha Upsilon
Senior Director of Communication Ashley Sherman
Contributing Writers
Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi
Erin Glenn, Alpha Omicron
Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi
Contributing Designer
Maddy Chapman
RecruitmentCalculations
Today Forever &
MARGARET LEE
Theta Zeta, Wofford College
General Advisor
3
33
AVERAGE NEW MEMBER CLASS SIZE (ACROSS 170 CHAPTERS)
7,982
In college, I was lucky enough to serve as Recruitment Chair. I had amazing mentors who walked me through the entire process and taught me how to be confident in my own choices. I wanted to do the same for someone else.
Preference. The love in the room between the sisters is palpable, and it reminds me why I chose to go ZTA 7 years ago.
Meeting the woman who later became my Big Sister. She got me at the door on philanthropy night, and I have not stopped talking to her a day since.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE IN THIS ROLE?
LAURIE ANN MCGEE
Theta Zeta, Wofford College VP Recruitment
The position allows me to leave Theta Zeta in even better hands than I found it. I could not think of a better way to thank this chapter for all it has done for me than by providing them with a new member class of humble, involved and beautiful young women.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROUND OF RECRUITMENT?
Preference. We showcase the love present in our chapter. Preference always makes me cry from all the love shared, so planning it this year was such a fulfilling experience.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM YOUR OWN RECRUITMENT?
Having my future Big Sister host me for Preference. She made me feel so special and admired, and that feeling was something I desired for so long after feeling overlooked in high school.
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Recruitment Equation The
The Formula for Finding Sisterhood
By Ashley Sherman, Senior Director of Communication
Finding sisterhood isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about finding belonging.
The sorority experience has stood the test of time because it evolves with each generation, reflecting the values, challenges and voices of its members.
Zetas know that our sisterhood goes beyond what’s trending on TikTok. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the surface and understand the real formula behind sorority life.
Primary Recruitment—once known as “rush” or “Formal Recruitment”—is that formula. With different ways to execute, it’s the process that helps potential new members connect with organizations like ZTA and find lifelong friendship and purpose.
Fully Structured
The majority of chapters recruit in a fully structured way for Primary Recruitment. Most do this in the fall, and some before school even starts. Other campuses have a deferred Primary Recruitment in the spring, after students have had a semester to acclimate to campus life. One
major change in the last 20 years is a focus on “no-frills” or “values-based” recruitment. This approach eliminated a skit round. Instead of putting on shows (see page 18), chapters use that time to have important conversations about values and the reality of the time and financial obligations associated with membership. This helps potential new members better understand of the commitment they will make. The goal is that sisters will enjoy their membership throughout all of college when they better understand the expectations from the start.
GAMMA RHO
Auburn University
Ava Sargent, VP
Recruitment
Recruiting in a fully in-person, traditional format allows us to form genuine connections from the very first conversation. It creates a welcoming environment where both our chapter and potential new members can feel the energy, authenticity and sisterhood that define our chapter and the Panhellenic community.
LAMBDA ALPHA
Sacred Heart University
Anna Tenaglia, President Francesca Scalzo, VP Recruitment
In-person recruitment allows our chapter to build authentic connections with PNMs, helping both sides truly get to know one another. As a Mega chapter, this experience not only strengthens our sisterhood, it also reminds us why we call ZTA home. We are intentional about finding sisters who share our common purpose and will contribute to the lasting bond that makes Lambda Alpha so special.
Virtual First Round
Holding on to the technology used during the pandemic, a virtual first round of Primary Recruitment has become another option in recent years. Larger campuses with many NPC organizations and a significant number of PNMs may opt to hold the
Gamma Psi
first round of recruitment virtually because it lessens the pressure and stress for everyone and lowers the cost of recruitment for the organizations. A virtual round of recruitment can be done any number of ways. For example, at Texas Christian University chapters and PNMs make short introductory videos. Kansas State University chapters distribute a digital magazine about their sisterhood. Other schools host the first round on Zoom.
GAMMA PSI
Texas Christian University
Kiley Beykirch, VP Recruitment
Starting recruitment with a virtual round helps our chapter make a strong first impression while giving PNMs the space to share their personalities in a creative, low-pressure way. Our video lets them see the heart of our sisterhood. Their submissions help us get to know them beyond the surface.
BETA UPSILON
Kansas State University
Jillian Reese, VP Recruitment
One benefit of a virtual recruitment round is that it allows our campus to work with even larger numbers of PNMs going through recruitment. It’s an opportunity to increase interest and involvement in the Greek community!
Partially Structured Recruitment
This method is for campuses with fewer PNMs and is intended to be welcoming and not intimidating. The purpose is to engage with PNMs through planned, yet flexible and informal events. It starts with an Open House round with no voting, rotating, selections or lists. During the Open Houses, PNMs must visit every chapter, but they can choose how long they stay and can visit a chapter more than once. Following that is a day or two of structured recruitment, including the final Preference round. With this method, PNMs can choose their own adventure, eliminating some pressure while they make connections.
This style also helps register more women for recruitment because its informal nature allows those interested to register right up until the deadline for entering Preference priorities.
GAMMA XI
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Skyler Sadden, VP Recruitment
Partially Structured Recruitment allows us to build more genuine connections with PNMs by having very relaxed events where they can come and sit and chat with our sisters. It helps PNMs feel more comfortable being themselves, and creates a start of great new friendships and an amazing sisterhood.
THETA SIGMA
Winthrop University
Emma Bosnia, President
intentionally grow membership outside of Primary Recruitment. After Primary Recruitment has concluded, chapters can get to know PNMs in more informal settings, often by hosting COB events. This method is great for recruiting women who may feel intimidated by a structured experience or need a more personal connection to see the value of sisterhood.
Regardless of how a campus structures its Primary Recruitment, the practice of COB has become a very standard part of the overall recruitment process to help chapters stay at the maximum allowable chapter size throughout the year.
LAMBDA
RHO
Piedmont University
Annalee Keys, VP Learning, Development & Recruitment
After Primary Recruitment in the fall, we have COB in the spring as an “ease in” approach to joining our sisterhood. This allows PNMs to feel more comfortable during the process and limits the amount of stress or anxiety that comes with Primary Recruitment. COB also benefits our current members because it helps us perfect our recruitment and communication skills to prepare for fall. Having COB helps us gain attention on campus and gets people excited about our sisterhood!
ALPHA MU
Washburn University
Becky Norton Widhalm, Collegiate National Officer
This style offers the perfect balance of tradition and flexibility, and gives us a chance to connect with PNMs in a more casual way. This cultivates genuine relationships, encourages collaboration between chapters and creates an inclusive experience for everyone.
Continuous Open Bidding
Continuous Open Bidding, often called COB and referred to in ZTA as CROWN (Continually Recruiting Outstanding Women Now) is a way to
Of Alpha Mu’s current members, 45% were recruited through COB, making this a fundamental way the women share their sisterhood on campus. The chapter uses many activities to welcome PNMs - from sisterhood activities, philanthropy events, service opportunities and more. But the most valuable activity is their spring COB Bid Day where they take an evening to specifically celebrate those women who chose ZTA as their forever home.
Lambda Rho
Lambda Alpha
The Women Behind Recruitment Numbers
NPC. RFM. RRS. PNM. MRABA.
That mashup of acronyms has played a vital role in strengthening the sorority experience across the country for two decades.
In 2005, the 26 member groups of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) agreed to use the Release Figure Methodology (RFM), based on each group’s Relative Recruitment Strength (RRS) on its campus, to assure that all potential new members (PNMs) who maximize their opportunities in Primary Recruitment and sign their Member Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) are invited to become a member of a Panhellenic group on campus.
Clear as mud, right? Fortunately, it is all very clear to a dedicated group of “techy” sorority alumnae known as Release Figure Methodology Specialists. These 68 volunteers— many engineers, scientists, lawyers and computer science technologists—use their love of numbers to help the sorority system
By Christy Marx Barber, Contributing Writer
thrive. Specialists cover five to 10 Primary Recruitments in the fall and two to five in the spring, depending on experience.
Dr. Darcy L. Russell (Sigma, Baker University) has been an RFM Specialist since 2007. She and former NPC Delegate Malaea Nelms Seleski (Eta Rho, The University of North Alabama) both serve on the RFM Leadership team as Senior Specialists.
“Each specialist takes her responsibility seriously,” Darcy says. “We want every group to thrive. We can do that by taking the bias out of recruitment, using a complicated algorithm to help more PNMs find their best match.”
The Algorithm
The origin of RFM is attributed to the late Betty Gilmore Woods (Beta Epsilon, University of California, Los Angeles), former NPC Delegate. Betty’s mathematical mind knew the smallest groups on a campus could not grow unless the strongest groups would invite fewer women to their
events and “release” them to attend other groups. She implemented the concept on several campuses. It helped somewhat, but still some PNMs would not receive a bid.
When NPC adopted the methodology, Laura Malley-Schmitt, an Alpha Phi International Fraternity alumna and Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate, visited Betty before developing the more advanced algorithm. Laura continues to fine-tune the process each year.
Release figures are unique to each campus and are based on three years of data:
• Number of PNMs registered
• Number who actually participate
• Number who stay in the process
• Number who sign their MRABA
• Number who match to their first and second choice
• Number of groups matching Quota
• Number the chapter invited to each round and number who attended (percent attended)
The three-year data for each organization creates its Relative Recruitment Strength, based on invitation acceptance after each round. “A chapter can have the best GPA or the best sisterhood,” Darcy explains, “but not have the highest RRS based on its recruitment results. The strongest group may only need to invite 100 women back to reach Quota, while the group with the lowest RRS may need to invite 300.” The algorithm ensures groups with higher RRS release more PNMs, allowing lower RRS groups to meet more women.
There’s an App for That
Of course, RFM requires smart phone apps and software to make the magic happen.
After each round, PNMs use an app to list the groups they want to visit again. For example, after a 13-event round, each PNM lists 10 favorites in no order and the other three in order. Similarly, chapter members use an app to rank their interest in each PNM they have met.
Then the specialists’ work with those hidden figures begins. The information from the apps goes into one of two approved software options. The RFM Specialist pulls the live data from the software to run the algorithm that determines the number of each group’s invitations for the next round. Based on the release figures from the RFM Specialist, a chapter advisor uses the chapter’s online voting to create the next round’s invitation list.
It is the norm for a PNM to receive fewer invitations than the number of each round’s events. The collegiate Recruitment Counselors encourage the women to maximize their opportunities by attending as many events as possible. If they do, the system ensures they will receive a bid.
The RFM Match Game
Prior to Preference, the RFM Specialist will establish a Quota range based on the number of women projected to sign the MRABA divided by the number of chapters.
After attending two Preference events, each PNM signs her MRABA, indicating she will accept a bid from either group; she may also choose to list only one group. The chapters create their bid list of all PNMs who attended their Preference round, in the order of member voting.
the Quota range. She and the Fraternity/ Sorority Advisor determine the Quota that maximizes the outcome for the chapters, the PNMs and the Panhellenic community. Any PNMs who do not match with their first or second choice before those chapters match to Quota are added by the FSA and RFM Specialist to one of those chapters as Quota additions. PNMs who listed only one group cannot become Quota additions.
“This methodology works and has grown our Panhellenic community,” Darcy says. “RFM specialists put our affiliation aside to do what’s best for the campus, because the sorority experience is just that important to us.”
LINK 227
Kappa Nu Chapter
Reactivated April 26, 2025
SIXTH NPC ORGANIZATION at Monmouth University
SUPPORTING CHAPTERS
Theta Xi Chapter Rutgers University
Iota Gamma Chapter The College of New Jersey
Zeta Lambda Chapter Rider University
Lambda Xi Chapter Seton Hall University
SEVENTH ACTIVE ZTA CHAPTER in the state of New Jersey
GIFTS
ZTA Flag
Kate Stevens Kane
Alumnae National Officer, on behalf of New Jersey alumnae chapters
ZTA Sign
Jennifer Gradzki-Harris
Collegiate National Officer, on behalf of New Jersey collegiate chapters
President’s Gavel
Lauren Sherrard
Collegiate National Officer for Kappa Nu
New Chapter Cup
Ali Kallman
Leadership Consultant
Morgan Bradley
Leadership Consultant
KAPPA NU CHAPTER REACTIVATED
By Karla Lundgren Wheeler, Extension Director
If you volunteer in Zeta Tau Alpha long enough, you may experience some incredible full-circle moments. As it was when we returned to Monmouth University in February to reactivate Kappa Nu Chapter.
In November 1998 as a ZTA Leadership Consultant, I was assigned to help establish Kappa Nu Chapter with fellow Consultant Allison Ross Thompson (Epsilon Chapter, University of Arkansas). Twenty-six years later as Extension Director, I had the honor of leading the efforts for its return to campus. It was a special moment in my Zeta story, being able to celebrate with many of Kappa Nu’s founding members as their link was reactivated.
Extension truly is a team effort. I started planning with International Office staff this past fall, and Leadership Consultants arrived in West Long Branch, New Jersey, in January. We had collegians from local chapters join them for preliminary rounds of Primary Recruitment to help share what our process would look like after Panhellenic Recruitment was completed.
A larger team of Consultants assembled in late February to help schedule potential new members for informational meetings with the national volunteers of our Monmouth extension team. Fun events were hosted, including ZTA is Sodalicious and Think Pink, Think Zeta®, with a focus on our philanthropy. At the end of our extension recruitment efforts, new chapter members enjoyed a Bid Day celebration on campus!
On Friday, April 25, Leadership Consultants beautifully performed Initiation services welcoming new members into our ZTA sisterhood, followed by the initiation of chapter President Alessia Carcone the next morning. At the conclusion of the
President’s Initiation, National President Dinah Jackson Laughery and I conducted the Reactivation of a Chapter Service and installed the new chapter officers of ZTA’s 227th link in our Chain of Chapters.
That afternoon, more than 150 guests made up of collegians, family members, advisors, campus officials, Kappa Nu charter members and other alumnae commemorated the chapter’s return with a festive banquet, held at the Bella Vista Country Club.
Many gifts were bestowed upon the chapter in honor of the occasion. Kappa Nu alumna and Alumnae National Officer Kate Stevens Kane presented the chapter with a ZTA flag, and Kappa Nu alumna and Collegiate National Officer Jennifer Gradzki-Harris presented the chapter with a ZTA sign. CNO Lauren Sherrard presented the President’s gavel to Alessia, and stationed Leadership Consultants Ali Kallman and Morgan Bradley presented the silver New Chapter Cup on behalf of the Fraternity. Former National President Keeley McDonald presented Dr. Vaughn Clay, director, Office of Student Engagement, with a donation to the university’s general scholarship fund on behalf of the ZTA Foundation.
“We are surrounded by so many people who are here to love and support us,” Alessia said in her address at the banquet. “We can, and we will, make this chapter stronger than it was and create a longlasting legacy for Kappa Nu. I hope that we always remember that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was ‘Love, the greatest of all things.’”
[1] Members of Kappa Nu Chapter celebrate the reactivation of ZTA’s 227th link [2] At Bella Vista Country Club, Kappa Nu alumnae proudly support their collegiate sisters [3] ZTA leaders (left to right): Extension Director Karla Wheeler, Kappa Nu Chapter President Alessia Carcone and National President Dinah Jackson Laughery [4] Kappa Nu collegians are all smiles after their Initiation [5] Chapter member Sophia Valente (center) with LCs Ali Kallman and Morgan Bradley [6] Kappa Nu sisters at the celebratory banquet [7] CNO Lauren Sherrard (left) officially presented Alessia Carcone with the President’s gavel.
MARKET YOUR ZTA EXPERIENCE
By Karoline Park, ZTA Senior Director of Membership Services
For many women, sorority life is more than just a college experience—it’s a foundation for leadership, service and lifelong skills. However, when it comes to translating those experiences into a professional setting, many sorority members struggle with how to articulate the value of their involvement.
Whether you’re crafting your resume, preparing for an interview or networking, here are five ways to professionally market your sorority experience.
1. IDENTIFY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Your involvement in a sorority has equipped you with a variety of skills that are valuable in the workplace. Consider these transferable skills and how they apply to professional settings:
• Leadership – Holding an officer position, chairing a committee or leading a project demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Communication – Whether it’s speaking at chapter meetings, recruiting new members or handling public relations, your ability to communicate effectively is a sought-after skill.
• Event planning – Organizing philanthropy events, formals or conferences showcases your ability to manage logistics, budgets and teams.
• Time management – Balancing academics, sorority responsibilities and other commitments demonstrates excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration –Working with a diverse group of women to achieve common goals mirrors workplace collaboration and an ability to problem solve.
2. FRAME YOUR EXPERIENCE PROFESSIONALLY
When listing your sorority experience on a resume or discussing it in an interview, use professional language. Instead of simply stating your role, highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments in a way that aligns with professional expectations.
Example:
Instead of: “Sorority President”
Try: “Elected President of a 150-member organization, overseeing operations, financial management and member engagement.”
Instead of: “Planned fundraising events”
Try: “Led a team to coordinate and execute fundraising initiatives, raising $10,000 for philanthropic causes.”
3. SHOWCASE YOUR LEADERSHIP AND INITIATIVE
Employers value candidates who take initiative and lead effectively. Highlight any initiatives you spearheaded, challenges you overcame and measurable outcomes you achieved within your chapter or the broader fraternity and sorority life community.
• Did you implement a new recruitment strategy that increased membership?
• Did you develop a mentorship program for younger members?
• Did you collaborate with campus organizations to create impactful programming?
These examples demonstrate your ability to innovate and drive results.
4. LEVERAGE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Sorority membership extends beyond college. Our alumnae network is a valuable resource for career opportunities and mentorship. Engage with alumnae through LinkedIn, alumnae events or local professional groups.
When reaching out, be clear about your intentions:
• Seeking career advice – “I admire your work in [industry] and would love to hear how you transitioned from college to your career.”
• Exploring job opportunities – “As a fellow Zeta Tau Alpha member, I’d like to connect and learn more about opportunities at your company.”
5. INTEGRATE YOUR EXPERIENCE INTO YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
Your sorority and Zeta Tau Alpha experience are a part of your unique story. Whether on LinkedIn, a personal website, social media or in conversations, position yourself as a leader who is passionate about teamwork, service and personal growth. Use these experiences to set yourself apart in competitive job markets.
Your experience in ZTA has given you a wealth of professional skills—don’t underestimate its value! By identifying transferable skills, framing your experience professionally, showcasing leadership, leveraging networking and integrating it into your personal brand, you can confidently market your ZTA membership in a way that resonates with employers.
TAKE A LOOK AT MAUD'S RESUME TO SEE HOW YOU MIGHT LAY OUT YOUR OWN ZTA EXPERIENCE!
FEELS LIKE HOME
ZTA’s Signature Scent Goes Hand in Hand with Sisterhood
By Lisa Perry, Staff Writer/Copy Editor
When a group of Fraternity Housing Corporation volunteers got together for a beach getaway in August 2023, the first thing they commented on was how great the condo smelled. The scent happened to be from a luxury hotel located very near International Office in Carmel, Indiana. There was always an elegant aroma in its lobby.
Former National President Julia Marthaler Hill acquired a bottle and sprayed the fragrance before everyone arrived. This sparked an idea: Why don’t we make a ZTA signature scent? The end result is Feels Like Home, ZTA’s distinctive and welcoming signature fragrance. Its creation is full of collaboration, gratification and sisterhood.
Designing a signature scent is no easy task, but at the direction of the FHC, Mrs. Hill was a natural to help get the ball rolling. In addition to being a former FHC President, she is an interior designer and current FHC Design Committee member. She partnered with FHC President Natalie Yingling Lisko and they began the methodical process of creating and producing a fragrance that would represent and complement Zeta Tau Alpha. The two found and worked with a representative from a candlemaking company to guide them, one who continually said, “Tell me what you need and what you want.”
Reaching out to other Zetas for fragrance suggestions, they were able to come up with four different aroma
blends. After further testing, two finalists rose to the top.
The two blends were sent to International Office, where the Foundation and the FHC board meetings were taking place. As members shared their thoughts, one clearly emerged as the favorite. Instead of an expected strawberry-based fragrance, the scent was a blend of cactus blossom and sea salt. Those who have sampled it say it’s not a floral, but is very light— and there’s a little citrus to it. Overall, it’s made up of a hint of “sweet” with an earthy touch.
“The cactus blossom represents beauty, love, friendship, strength, and a sense of joy and tranquility. It provides relaxation and comfort.”
Producing that final blend was the result of a collaborative process that could best be summed up with six phases: choose the fragrance, mix the blends, test, refine, finalize and package. An extra step was taken to research attributes associated with each blended scent, ensuring they align with Zeta Tau Alpha. The cactus blossom represents beauty, love, friendship, strength, and a sense of joy and tranquility. It provides relaxation and comfort. Sea salt attracts positive energy, promotes harmony in relationships
and strengthens endurance. It sets the mood, enhancing ambiance and feelings of sophistication, and creating lasting impressions.
Naming ZTA’s fragrance was another team effort among FHC board members and volunteers. Feels Like Home not only refers to a song often sung during recruitment, but the scent can evoke a “home away from home” feeling for collegians. The fragrance had a soft launch at Convention 2024 when the onsite Crown & Co. pop-up store sold out of its initial 20 bottles, and now the fragrance is available online.
Feedback has been positive. Carly Andjulis, chapter President at Illinois State University, says, “The Feels Like Home ZTA signature scent made its way to Eta Phi Chapter in August 2024. Our chapter facility had been closed the prior year due to renovations. Moving in again before fall Recruitment, I remember being in awe of how beautiful the house was and how good it smelled. I truly do feel like I am home!
“Sea salt attracts positive energy, promotes harmony in relationships and endurance.”
The Feels Like Home spray scent brings me back to that Zeta Love you feel throughout recruitment. Whenever we gather at the house, we feel that ZTA truly is our forever home.”
The fragrance can be used in chapter housing, private homes and offices. Experts say creating the perfect home
wide signature fragrance could also transition into a conversation about how sisters work together.
When Mrs. Hill offers her “why” for participating, she emphasizes that she is simply one part of the Feels Like Home team. “It’s not just the process. It’s the collaboration,” she says.
“The Feels Like Home spray scent brings me back to that Zeta Love you feel throughout recruitment. Whenever we gather at the house, we feel that ZTA truly is our forever home.”
environment is about the experience, and one of the first impressions is its aroma. Many surrounding the project agree with the idea that collegians could incorporate the Feels Like Home scent during Primary Recruitment— potential new members possibly could experience and take away the feeling that ZTA is home, just as chapter members do. Talking about the fact that Zeta Tau Alpha has a Fraternity-
“Being part of the team who saw this through, from the start to the final product, has been exciting,” says Natalie. “We are all so proud of our ZTA signature scent and thank everyone who has played a role in making this dream come to life.”
ETA PHI CHAPTER, ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Member Retention Research
By Meghan Parker, Executive Director
In the last issue of Themis we introduced you to the important research being conducted through the Foundation of Fraternal Excellence and the Amplify Sorority Campaign. As a reminder, the priorities of this campaign are to conduct at least 10 research projects and provide actionable recommendations, messaging, toolkits and conversation points to apply the data and share findings.
As the chair of the Women’s Research Committee for this campaign, I had the privilege of talking to community leaders to learn their biggest question about the future of sorority, ultimately guiding our research. The relevance of sorority was top of mind, with the question being: Is the next generation of college students going to join a sorority?
We know the experience will benefit them, but do they? Out of that question came the first research project, Market and Persona Research. We set out to learn about 15- to 18-year-old potential new members by conducting focus groups with Gen-Z high school girls to understand their motivation for attending college, perceptions of sororities and determine their initial personas. Along with the four personas that emerged, we learned that we do have what the next generation is looking for, but more often than not, the next generation does not associate those things with sorority. We have to be prepared to message differently.
The next project was also about the relevance of sorority, with a focus on those who are already participating in
the sorority experience. While some campuses are being challenged with shrinking Quotas, others are bursting at the seams with new member classes well into 100-plus new members. Retention of our members is critical to both the success of a chapter, and also to our future alumnae and volunteer base. We embarked on this project to help organizations identify the factors that both encourage and prevent sorority membership, and that influence retention.
We specifically wanted to know:
• What motivates members to stay involved with their sorority organization?
• What aspects of the experience create barriers or challenges to staying involved?
• What factors have an impact on continued involvement?
WHAT WE LEARNED
There’s no silver bullet, but there are key factors that can dramatically improve retention.
The four key factors to improve retention are Social Integration, Identity Alignment, Belonging and Organizational Support. Focusing on Social Integration (meaningful connection and support) and Identity Alignment (feeling like the sorority is a part of who they are and their commitment to it) are the two areas that will have the greatest gains.
Trends showed that someone’s connection to their university grows each year and their connection to the
organization decreases. How do we ensure the strong connections our members make in their first two years as sisters stays meaningful and a part of their identity year after year?
Eroding social connections = weakening of the sorority bond, and some groups are especially at risk.
Overwhelmingly, this study showed us that members join for social connection and they stay for social connection, too. In this case, social connection is specifically about connecting with people, not social events such as formals and date parties. They leave when the social connection fades.
Groups identified as at-risk are:
• COB joiners
• Women of color
• Upperclassmen
• Focused Achievers (persona from previous research)
• Those who live off campus or not in the chapter facility
• Chapter leaders
Social connection, that feeling of belonging, is the most critical element in retaining our members. How do we increase our awareness of what groups are most at risk on our campus? And once we do, how do we work to create a better experience with intentionality?
Sororities aren’t keeping pace with junior and senior members’ evolving needs.
The chapter experience needs to evolve with the priorities and interests of students throughout their academic careers. Thirdand fourth-year students are looking for a different experience than they did in their first two years.
The research shows that our newest members are looking for leadership experiences right away, and our third- and fourth-year sisters are looking for more focus on their future career aspirations.
BIG TAKEAWAY!
Less than half of those surveyed plan to stay involved in their sorority after graduation.
We say the experience is for a lifetime, but how do we translate that to the next generation of joiners? In general, we know our members are most engaged early in the collegiate experience. How do we connect them to the benefits of the alumnae experience earlier?
We need to help outgoing leaders end on a high note.
The expected time commitment and responsibility of leadership is a heavy burden for collegians, and past leaders struggle to maintain connections when transitioning back into general chapter membership and don’t feel supported.
Past leaders have lower retention and they don’t feel like the benefits of membership are worth the cost of the financial and time investments. They put in the time, but it is not giving them a better ROI. They are burning out and more ready to leave than other members.
We are incredibly intentional about recruiting and training our leaders. How do we offboard them? How do we help them find their meaning and space in the chapter once they no longer have a title?
Remember, the research is a summary of the sorority community. It is not specific to ZTA, but it does give us an incredibly important read into what is going on with our own membership.
The retention data has been my favorite data set so far. The full report is 90 pages long and is rich in charts, graphs and implications. But for me, it is most rich with opportunity. Some things are hard to read. I am gutted that more than 50% of current members have already decided that they will not be active alumnae. Likewise, I was surprised to learn that one of our least satisfied groups is our past collegiate leaders.
If you think about those two data points, I bet numerous ideas pop into your head about how we can mitigate them. While I can assure you national leadership is paying close attention to the research, and building out programs and education accordingly, much of this can be improved without a program, without a budget and by simply adding more connectivity. What opportunity we have!
As just one example, we don’t talk to our collegians about being an alumnae until they are a junior or senior. At that time, they are so focused on getting ready for what is next, post college.
What if we talked to them earlier? What if we, from the start, made it a part of their identity and commitment to stay involved with ZTA post graduation?
Being involved in this work the last couple of years has been so rewarding. I got involved because I know sorority really matters. Joining ZTA absolutely changed the trajectory of my life. As a community, we have to continue to tell the story on why sorority matters, and we have to do it in a way that resonates with them. This research is allowing us to do just that!
I Give Why
When Liz Patterson was a freshman at University of Arkansas, joining a sorority wasn’t a top priority. Moving to Fayetteville from her small town, Liz was looking for a sense of structure and community. After discovering family ties she had to Zeta Tau Alpha and seeing the importance of academics in Epsilon Chapter, she found her home in ZTA. Throughout her time in the chapter, she met lifelong friends—one who would go on to become her matron of honor at her wedding—and found the structure and community she had been looking for, one that would last her a lifetime.
Upon graduation, Liz stayed involved with her alumnae chapter as she completed an impressive career working at Texas Instruments, the company from which she would eventually retire. As a young alumna she was not in a position to give back to ZTA financially, but instead gave her time and service in the Collin County, TX Chapter. But once she was in a financial position to do so, she began to give back to ZTA with monetary donations, specifically supporting scholarships. “It is not my job to know what a scholarship is going to mean to someone,” Liz says. “We don’t always know the impact of our gift, but we are called to steward the resources given to us.”
By Erin Glenn, Contributing Writer
Liz recalls having the spirit of education poured into her from a young age. Her mother was a teacher, and though her family did not come from wealth, her parents always made sure her education was a priority. The gift of education that Liz received changed her life and set her up to be able support others in their academic endeavors.
When Liz first retired, she says that ZTA was her lifeline during that transition. Where she once held a corporate title, she now serves as an Alumnae Financial Specialist and Vice President Membership for her alumnae chapter. On top of her service, she is proud to donate to ZTA. She recognizes the importance of paying it forward and views her gifts as a hand up, not a handout. In her alumnae chapter, the demographic ranges from new grads to retirees and she is pleased with how they talk about giving back. “If ZTA calls upon your heart, there are different paths to give,” she says, recognizing that people are called to serve in a variety of ways.
Liz is honored to be able to give back to a community that has given her so much. “The clichés are so real,” she says with a chuckle. “Zeta Is Forever. The sisterhood is forever. I can’t tell you what it is, but there is a common thread that runs through
all Zeta women and it’s magic.” She says that giving is not about her, but it goes back to The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha. “Love, the greatest of all things,” is where she feels her journey to giving back began. “We are called to love people and be the light of this earth. We all have the ability to give back differently. We just have to remember to live our lives with our hearts and hands open.”
“We don’t
always know the impact of our gift, but we are called to steward the resources given to us.”
LIZ (LEFT) RECEIVING A FOUNDERS CLUB AWARD FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS
LIZ (TOP) AT HER ZTA INITIATION PARTY ON FEB. 12, 1983.
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
New Deb Ensor Endowed Scholarship
By Christy Marx Barber, Contributing Writer
From 1985 to 2014, ZTA Executive Director Deb Ensor hired 250 recent college graduates to travel as consultants, supporting challenged chapters and encouraging strong chapters to reach higher goals.
In turn, Deb supported, challenged and encouraged the consultants, endowing them with confidence and skills to use in their professional careers. As a former Field Secretary (an early name for the consultants), she had a special place in her heart for the women who began their careers traveling for ZTA.
To honor Deb’s love for the consultant program, the ZTA Foundation has endowed an annual scholarship to be awarded to a former consultant attending graduate school, beginning with the 20252026 academic year.
To fund the scholarship, the Foundation voted at its March meeting to repurpose a portion of the Deb Ensor Leadership Fund, established at Convention 2014. Deb had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and the Foundation created the fund as a tribute to her and to support the break-through ZTA programming she had spearheaded. Deb passed away July 18, 2014, just three weeks after Convention.
“Every year, former consultants apply for scholarships for graduate school, and we have not had a designated way to assist them,” said Foundation President Carolyn Hof Carpenter. “The board decided using a portion of the leadership fund to endow a scholarship for one of those women would be a great way to fill a need and honor Deb’s consultant legacy in a lasting way.”
Foundation Vice President of Scholarship Kristen Humeston Harthorn and Scholarship Committee member Erin Dickey Niebylski are ecstatic about the new scholarship. They both traveled as consultants—Mrs. Harthorn in 1994-1995 and Erin in 2005-2006.
“Deb taught us to think on our feet, to be flexible and to ask for help when we needed it,” said Mrs. Harthorn. “With this scholarship, the Foundation honors Deb’s passion and love for the Leadership Consultant program.”
Deb set high expectations for all consultants, but she also embraced them with sisterhood. “Deb put you in positions that challenged you, but she always provided an underwave of support,” Erin said. “My dad was stationed in Iraq while I was a Leadership Consultant. At the end of my year, she purposely sent me to visit a ZTA chapter in California, so I could be there when my dad arrived home.”
“Deb taught us to think on our feet, to be flexible and to ask for help when we needed it...”
After her year as an LC, Erin received a ZTA Foundation Founders Grant to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in student affairs administration.
“Deb was also super strategic,” Erin said. “She chose consultants who had a likelihood to hear the call to higher ZTA service.” In fact, 126 of the 250 consultants Deb hired have served as National Officers.
Mrs. Carpenter feels the decision to shift some of the funds donated in Deb’s honor to a graduate scholarship for a former LC is what Deb would want at this time. “We truly believe we are following Deb’s mantra to do the right thing for the right reason all the time,” she said.
Erin agrees wholeheartedly. “I can assure you Deb has a big smile on her face about this scholarship.”
“DEB’S GIRLS” LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS AT CONVENTION 2014 IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Links to our Past
When “Rush” Looked Like a Broadway Show!
By Patti Cords Levitte, ZTA Archivist
“RUSH” IN THE 20TH CENTURY
The term “rush” comes from the practice of “rushing” to the train station early in the 20th century. Pictured (left) are eight of our nine Founders, with new member Grace Elcan.
“Rush” soon changed into a system of social events to meet and entertain potential new members. Since the 1920s, the entire process has been overseen by the National Panhellenic Conference, setting rules to create an even playing field for sororities. Now, NPC focuses on making genuine connections, but rush used to be a competitive time to show off the performance talents of members. Often, the chapter with the most extravagant shows would have the most successful rushes!
1949: “SOUTH PACIFIC” MUSICAL THEME
What better way to present your chapter than to tie it to one of the hottest musicals in the country? “South Pacific” was everywhere in 1949. Chapters used this musical to transport potential new members to the South Seas and learn about ZTA through songs modified from the play. This was a popular theme for the next 20 years.
1959: “THE KING AND I” Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin) members presented a skit based on the Broadway smash “The King and I,” showcasing their talent for singing and creating a fantasy atmosphere. Mid-20th century parties often involved the latest Broadway hits.
1983: “BELIEVE”
The first national skit produced by ZTA was “Believe” in 1983. The Fraternity was a leader in producing complete skit packages that included everything from costumes to backdrops to music tracks. These national skits were well known and allowed a chapter to put on a great show and not have to worry about the details.
1993: NO OUTSIDE DECORATIONS
In 1993, the NPC passed a unanimous resolution that recruitment events take place only inside each facility. No more extending the show on the lawn!
1980 s AND 1990 s : NATIONAL SKITS
ZTA would continue to produce national skit packages throughout the 1980s and 1990s, giving chapters lots of options to find the one that would fit best on their campus.
1980 s: GETTING CREATIVE
Chapters also had the option of using their own creativity and making their own skit themes from pop culture, like the Hard Rock Café or country-focused TV show “Hee Haw.”
2000 s -NOW: VALUES-BASED RECRUITMENT
By 2003, NPC had started focusing on values-based recruitment, and not having “rush” based on how well a chapter could sing or dance. Skits would linger into the 2010s, but collegians today will never experience a full Broadway production at every chapter while going through recruitment.
SpotlightVolunteer
Guiding Collegiate Chapters Through Recruitment
By Erin Glenn, Contributing Writer
Michelle Gordon Mullineaux
Beta Gamma Chapter, Florida State University
Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator Area I
Michelle knows the role of a Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator is 365 days. While Primary Recruitment only happens once for a chapter, recruitment is a year-round practice. “Everything a chapter does contributes to its recruitment success,” she says. “Solving membership problems solves lots of the other problems chapters may encounter, so digging into membership can be extremely rewarding—and fun!” What Michelle finds rewarding in her role is getting to see the plans a chapter has worked on become a reality, and getting to celebrate with National Officers, advisors and collegians alike.
Antoinette
Rizzuto Bearden
Theta Eta Chapter, Stephen F. Austin State University Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator Area II
Antoinette loves the people and the relationships she’s able to create in her role. She has found that the best way to support a chapter in its recruitment goals is to meet members where they’re at. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves and sitting on the floor of a house alongside members during a long day of recruitment meetings. While she analyzes data and helps to show the chapters the numbers, she realizes that these women know how to best recruit the next class. Her advice for those recruiting? “Get to know the women coming through and bring Zeta Tau Alpha into their world.”
Kristin Oberg
Alpha Omicron Chapter, The University of Iowa Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator Area III
For Kristin, being a Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator is an inspiring role. “I get to partner with chapter leaders, their advisors and Collegiate National Officers to empower, encourage and grow their chapters through
Primary Recruitment, COB and retention. It’s a dream!” Through listening and learning each chapter’s unique needs, understanding its strengths and identifying key areas to grow, she is helping chapters all over her area run successful recruitments. “Area III leaders continue to fill my Zeta cup through their relentless pursuit of growth in their chapters,” Kristin says.
Eta Tau Chapter, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator Growth & Development
Erica’s role as a Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator involves a little bit of everything, she says. From attending meetings, analyzing data and being a go-to support person for a chapter during recruitment, she is motivated by her desire to help every woman find her home. Though the months leading up to a chapter’s Primary Recruitment may be long, Erica notes, “It’s a busy, high-pressure time, but it also creates moments where sisterhood really shines.” Whether she is new to that chapter or has worked with them for years, Erica finds recruitment reinforces how special it is. “No matter the campus or chapter, it’s a reminder that wherever you are, the bonds of this sisterhood run deep.”
ANTOINETTE RIZZUTO BEARDEN (FAR RIGHT)
KRISTIN OBERG (MIDDLE)
Be a dues-paying member.
Alumnae engagement looks different for every sister. Now there are three easy ways to be a dues-paying member and support the Zeta Tau Alpha sisterhood:
• Your local alumnae chapter is an opportunity to meet sisters, attend social events and support local collegiate chapters.
• Join the virtual ZTAlways chapter and participate in optional online activities and sisterhood.
• Pay national alumnae dues to support ZTA without joining a chapter (or, in addition to your alumnae chapter membership).
By: Lisa Perry, Sta f f Writer/Copy Editor
For some, performing with a musical group, an acting troupe or a dance team is essential—a creative outlet, a way of life. It’s their heart and soul. Whatever the activity or type of stage, concerts and shows offer gifted performers the opportunity to show off their abilities and live out an innate desire to please an audience. Among the people who shine brightly onstage? Some really talented Zetas. [Cue the applause.]
Betty Buckley
Notes from an entertainment icon
Hailed as The Voice of Broadway, a Broadway legend, one of musical theater's greatest voices, and continually on “Broadway’s all-time greatest singers” lists, Tony Awardwinning Betty Buckley (Gamma Psi, Texas Christian University) is also known for her spectrum of TV and movie roles and concert performances. Recently, she has added film producer, writer and narrator to the mix. At age 78, this multitalented Zeta seemingly stays perpetually in motion. This summer, we were given the rare opportunity for a straightforward Q&A session to learn more about this beloved entertainer.
ZTA experience at Gamma Psi
My ZTA Big Sister, Harriett Eaker Adams, taught me everything about life in college— from skin care to social skills. She planned a political campaign for me that lasted my entire college career. That campaign got me elected freshman class secretary,
cheerleader in my sophomore year, head cheerleader in my junior year and cheerleader in my senior year. She is now a very successful interior designer.
Regarding my contributions to the sorority and the school: I wrote and directed all the skits. We always won. The TCU Frog Fountain in the quad was my idea. It's my proudest legacy.
How would you describe yourself? Actress/Singer/Writer/Producer/ Cowgirl/Teacher
Behind the scenes
I am still actively doing concert work, film and television, so I need to be prepared for what comes. I work out twice a week on Zoom with my long-term trainer in New York, Pasquale Manocchia. I work on Zoom once a week with my long-term voice teacher, Joan Lader.
I've studied with the best teachers in the business. I've worked with the best trainers and psychologists. And I will continue to do so.
What do you do in your free time? I hang out with my dogs and cats and horses and take long walks with my dog Lucas. I really love Korean TV and film. I am addicted. I just finished watching a great new series "Heavenly Ever After." It's so good! It made me cry.
Performance Resume Highlights
BROADWAY. Debuted in “1776” as Martha Jefferson (1969), originated role of Grizabella in “Cats” (1982-84) on Broadway, played Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” (1994-97)
TV. “Eight is Enough” (1977-81), HBO’s “Oz” (2001-03), recurring role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2021-2022)
FILM. “Carrie” (1976), “Tender Mercies” (1983), “Frantic,” with Harrison Ford, directed by Roman Polanski (1988), “Imaginary” (2024), “Eternity” (fall 2025)
Is it true you decided at a young age that singing was your calling? I sang in the Junior Choir at our Methodist church (in Fort Worth, Texas), and I was in the all-city chorus in elementary school. The chorus teacher always put me in the back row and told me to, "Blend in, Betty Lynn! Blend in!" When I was 11, my mother took me to see my first musical at Casa Mañana Theatre. I had my first epiphany: That is what I would be doing for the rest of my life—musical theater. I was relieved to find out there was a place for girls with loud voices.”
Singing “Memory” on Broadway
The show had already been done in London and the song was a hit. The opportunity to play Grizabella in “Cats” and to sing “Memory” in the original Broadway cast was a great gift! It allowed me to step fully into my potential as an actress/singer with the role and the song. I am grateful that “Memory” is known as my signature song.
Overall favorite Broadway memory Opening night of “Sunset Boulevard.” What an incredible night!
Playing stepmom Abby on TV’s “Eight is Enough” I am grateful for that job. It was like four years of an intense school, studying big-business show business.
VOCAL CONCERTS. beginning in the 1990s through this summer’s May-June concerts
AWARDS.
Musical (“Cats” 1983), American Theatre Hall of Fame (2012)
You had film roles in the original “Carrie” and recently in “Imaginary.” Is horror a genre you like?
Yes. I enjoy thrillers and I love wellmade scary movies.
What’s your advice for those considering a career in the entertainment industry?
Find the best teachers. Stay with it. Work hard. Practice, practice, practice.
Christian Jacob and a great quartet of musicians. I have a very eclectic taste. I love songs from the Great American Songbook, the Broadway songbook and contemporary singer-songwriters. Every year, Christian and I create a new collection of songs and we present them in New York City at Joe's Pub (at the beginning of her concert tour).
Recent film work
During COVID-19, I wrote, narrated and produced an animated short
Follow Betty Buckley: www.bettybuckley.com
Instagram: @blbuckley
Facebook: Betty Buckley
BlueSky: @BettyBuckley.bsky.social
Robin Barnes
The Songbird of New Orleans
Robin Barnes (Delta Nu, The University of New Orleans) is making a name for herself by being herself as she performs her own genremixing songs—from joyful danceinducing music to heartfelt ballads. Born to sing? Robin came into the world vocalizing in such a distinct, thunderous way that even medical professionals assisting with her birth agreed: “She’s going to be a singer.”
Her music is a kaleidoscope of jazz, rhythm and blues, New Orleans heritage and some modern Louisiana bounce…with a dash of surprise and always a Robin Barnes spin. She performs with her husband, bass player Pat Casey, as Da Lovebirds and with The Fiya Birds, a funky, full-blown band. “Music is not just about me,” Robin says. “Music is an experience and music is a sacred thing. I’m just a vessel. I’m singing from the heart. When I’m performing for people, I want that experience when they just cut off the noise, they cut off the outside world, they are present and in their feelings.”
Her first church solo at age 6 made an impact. “I closed my eyes,” Robin says. “I was so nervous singing ‘Ave Maria.’ When I finished, I opened my eyes and I saw my mom was tearing up. There were so many other people tearing up. It’s one thing to just have your eyes closed and you’re having this private moment, if you will. And then you open your eyes and you’re given not only happy tears, but people smiling. And I got a standing ovation. When I sing, there are beautiful moments that have happened and still happen.”
With her positive attitude and energy, Robin has no time for stereotypes and negativity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management, and earned her master’s in business administration. She grew up in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, an area marked by poverty and unemployment, and early in her career someone referenced that and told her she would never be successful.
“The music industry is not for the faint of heart, especially for those who have a big heart,” says Robin. “I was recording my demo. There are no steps in music, right? But as a business major, I know that you
happen.’ I told him, ‘OK, thank you for your input.’ I’m not going to lie. The music industry is tough. Things are not guaranteed. Things are not given. I proceeded to put every effort in blood, sweat and tears into that goal. And I made it happen! We were on the Billboard charts—Top 10, Top 5—for, I think, 14 weeks. I did it without a label. This little girl.” Later, during a performance, she would go on to sincerely and publicly thank that would-be manager for his assistance with her Billboard recognition.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Robin was the only girl among six brothers and talented parents, the only one whose specialty was vocals.
Photos by Kayla Palmer
Robin’s road to success? “Believe in yourself and work really hard and be smart about it,” she says. “I have big dreams. But I’m so blessed that the people who believe in me are finding me and are phenomenal at what they do.”
ZTA has been an important part of Robin’s life. Just days into her freshman year as a member of the University of New Orleans golf team, Hurricane Katrina hit and her family relocated to Shreveport. There, she found a second home with Beta Iota Chapter at Centenary College of Louisiana. Members were empathetic about her hurricane experience, and the chapter provided a scholarship
Robin released “Hey Na (Iko Iko),” with Big Freedia, during Mardi Gras this year, followed by “In God We Trust,” a song of hope and moving forward. Her first album, due in 2026, is a celebratory tribute to her Louisiana roots with New Orleans, Zydeco and Creole music. Follow Robin on Instagram @neworleanssongbird, Spotify and RobinBarnesMusic.com.
Lizzie Steele
A gripping story
When you grow up in an arts-focused family, dance classes and music lessons are the norm. Lizzie Steele (Alpha Phi, Northwestern University) was a devoted student—from ballet and viola to math and science. She majored in materials science and engineering in college. With so many avenues available to her, which career path did Lizzie literally grab onto? Circus acrobat and trapeze artist.
It’s not so far-fetched. In elementary school, Lizzie watched a Barnum & Bailey Circus VHS tape over and over. “I still remember the trapeze act, seeing their chalk flying everywhere and thinking, ‘Wow!’” she says. Today, Lizzie jokes that chalk can be a tax write-off for her.
“I definitely did grow up knowing that I loved being on stage,” she says. “And I always dreamed of bigger stages, but I didn’t know what that looked like. So it does make sense that my life has had many professional seasons. While working as an engineer, my office in the Washington Navy Yard
Photo by Rich Riggins Photography
This summer, Lizzie is performing outdoors in Cirque de la Pointe-Sèche, in Saint-Germain, Quebec, Canada. Learn more at
Lizzie has two primary circus specialties. “Cradle is similar to trapeze in that you’re swinging through the air. Instead of holding on to the trapeze, you’re holding on to another person who’s swinging you,” she says. “Hand-to-hand is a ground discipline where two acrobats balance on each other, often hand-in-hand…what many people will recognize from cheerleading or acrobatic gymnastics.” One is a base, the second is a flyer—Lizzie’s specialty. She also loves stilt-walking, and learning to juggle is on her to-do list. “There were many moments when I felt I was starting too late compared to people that had been doing this much longer…ever since they were young. But the reality is: It’s never too late.”
Professionally, “I feel so lucky to have worked with so many different strong, supportive bases that have been easy to trust in acrobatic collaboration,” says Lizzie. “But then you add the slight danger factor as well. Injuries are both scary, and also a little bit accepted.” She uses her engineering know-how to help assess risk. “We make all the decisions that
we can to be as safe as possible at so many different levels. But in the end, you’re putting a lot of things to chance and there are increased risks. So I’m super lucky to not have had anything serious happen beyond sprained ankles. Joints can only take so much and if you land wrong…” and she trails off. “It's also one of the reasons why I strength train and I do a lot of physical therapy-type exercises and things that help make your body as prepared for anything as possible.”
In addition to physical training and technique-specific work, she adds good nutrition, lots of sleep and minimal stress. “The things that help you perform at your best,” Lizzie says. “It’s never easy to balance working, training and sleeping with trying to spend time with family and friends,” she adds. “I have to prioritize. I’ve gone to Zeta sisters’ weddings whenever possible. I’m really lucky to have a lot of friends in a lot of different places. Maintaining those connections is important.”
Community-minded Lizzie is thankful for everyone who has helped her along the way and that includes her ZTA experience. “I have so many memories of ZTA, especially living in the house at Northwestern with my sisters—many of whom I’m still in touch with today, of course. We have the best time! It’s the everyday memories that I think back on most fondly: sharing experiences, doing our homework together. It taught me a lot about friendship and sisterhood, but also about leadership and what it means to lead with your peers. We’re all sisters, but we also all have responsibilities to maintain the community, whether that’s a formal leadership role or not. That’s one of the most valuable lessons I took from ZTA. But also, just such fun memories of friends.”
Jessica Luza Acting Up
When Jessica Luza (Iota Theta, Georgia Institute of Technology) says she’s a working actress, believe it. She’s been performing professionally since she was 12, when she partnered with her first agent. Throughout her career, Jessica has taken classes, auditioned, studied scripts, showed up to set on time, and acted in a
“I’m resilient,” says Jessica. “That’s definitely good in my profession because there’s so much rejection.” She also describes herself as “a spitfire…sassy, but kind.” Fortunately, she has a huge sense of humor, able to roll with whatever comes her way— including 3,000 hopefuls auditioning for a role she wants. Sometimes Jessica sees the person who was hired for a part she auditioned for and thinks, “Oh, OK. They went with a redhead.” Or “Oh, wow, they changed the gender specs for that
In Smyrna, Georgia, at age 7, Jessica was holding her hairbrush like a microphone while playing all the parts in her own multi-character backyard productions. After college, she moved to Los Angeles, performing in a variety of TV and film roles for 12 years, including an episode of “House, M.D.” during its final season. “When I lived in L.A, projects I booked in Atlanta had me flying back (“Let’s Be Cops,” “Necessary Roughness,” “The Following” and “Satisfaction”). My agent at the time begged me to come back to Atlanta for a few months and test out the market here again. Then in 2019, I officially relocated to
In 2020, Jessica was cast in Cedric the Entertainer’s “Johnson” for Bounce TV. Initially, Jessica’s “Johnson”
appearance, but producers liked her so much they asked her to try out for a recurring role. “When I booked it, I cried,” she says. “To be given that opportunity and for them to trust me…I literally bawled. It’s been so fun to keep playing Lisa Johnson over all four seasons.” This year, she was additionally booked for a recurring role on Tyler Perry’s “Sistas,” on BET. She adds, “I had an awesome guest spot on ‘Grosse Point Garden Society’ for NBC.”
At press time, Jessica was excited to learn she was cast in an Amazon series with Scott Foley. She began
Acting can be fun but also may take a toll. “If a scene is about heavy sadness, when we cut, I’ll stay in it,” says Jessica. “You can’t be, ‘Oh, that was so sad,’ then immediately, ‘Oh, hi!’ For a breakup scene, your body experiences those tears. I’ve had days on set when it’s intense and the next day I feel like I have an emotional hangover. While I’m pretending to be anxious all day, my brain knows it’s not real, but my body says otherwise.”
Jessica says, “I prioritize my mental health and for me that’s working out. I’m a voracious reader. I also have a gratitude journal.” She adds, “I’m really into puzzles, like a 1,000-piece puzzle on a board. For my ADD brain it’s a project with a start and a finish, and I can see the fruits of my labor. With a lot of my career I put in the work—like reading 49 times for ‘Dynasty’—and don’t get anything back. I can’t control career outcomes. But you’d better believe my closet is color-coded. Structure in those things helps me be more fluid and malleable in other areas.” Since buying a house, she’s become a homeimprovement rock star. “The amount of time I’m at a hardware store and the home projects that I do…My home is my sanctuary, and it grounds me.”
In May, Jessica talked enthusiastically about quirky comedy/horror/satanicpanic thriller “Hysteria!” on Peacock, even as she mourned its unexpected cancellation. She appeared in seven of eight episodes as 1980s bar owner/ mom Cassie Dandridge, pivotal in the storyline. Jessica especially enjoyed working with Julie Bowen—widely known for her role as Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family” and number one on the “Hysteria!” call sheet—and continually strives to match her work ethic. Jessica loved that Julie always remained friendly and approachable throughout.
When Jessica filmed a TV commercial for men’s underwear giant Gildan with country singer Blake Shelton, she played a dry cleaner and her real
name was written into the script. “I thought: People back home are going to see me and go, ‘Oh, I guess acting didn’t work out,’” she laughs. In the spot, an elderly woman makes a scripted racy comment and when Jessica ad-libbed: “Grandma!” after the line, producers kept it in the finished product. “I was really proud of that—it was funny!” Maybe it’s foreshadowing. Jessica says she wants to add producing and directing to her acting resume, like Tina Fey and Reese Witherspoon.
Advice for would-be actors? “Don’t do it!” she says, and laughs. “Just kidding! But treat it like a real career. Learn about it. Take acting classes, be an extra, shadow people, be on set. People unfortunately get confused with the glamour of acting and don’t realize that I have a 4 a.m. call time and might not wrap until 2 a.m. the next day. Or I might have to do the same scene 45 times. Yes, there are some glamorous moments. But it’s a job.”
A Zeta initiate during her sophomore year, Jessica served as chapter Historian and immersed herself in the ZTA experience. Since moving back to Georgia, she has reconnected with Zetas and laughs about a recent outing where she and her ZTA sisters all showed up randomly and unexpectedly dressed in leopard clothing or shoes. “Birds of a feather,” she says.
Do people ever recognize her and ask for an autograph? Jessica says someone approached her at Home Depot and said she looked familiar. “I said, ‘Yeah?’ and he said, ‘Yes. You’re in here all the time.’”
Left: Jessica with Cedric the Entertainer (middle) and her dad on the set of "Johnson" for Bounce TV.
Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessluza.
Julie Bowen (left) and Jessica in a scene from "Hysteria!" on Peacock.
Julie Galle Olé flamenco!
Julie Galle (Delta Kappa Chapter, Louisiana State University) has immersed herself into flamenco dance from all sides as a performer, teacher, arts administrator and published scholar of the art. She also has created a nonprofit with a “flamenco is for everyone” mindset. She got here beginning with a casual interest in Spanish tap dancing. In a circuitous fashion, it eventually led her to her life’s mission.
From a young age, Julie was a student of ballet, tap and jazz. Just before college, she tried Spanish tap dance, something that initially confounded her. “I couldn't count the music. And I found that the movements of the feet were really different,” she says.
“It bothered me that I couldn't pick it up because it was always easy for me to quickly learn movement and remember choreography. But it was a nice challenge.” Immediately upon graduation from LSU, Julie enrolled at a school to learn Irish step dancing when popular “Riverdance” was in its heyday. But instead, instructors taught jigs and reels. “I said, ‘This is really fun, but when are we going to
start tapping our feet?’ Next door, they were making a lot of noise and I peeked in. It was a flamenco class.” Flamenco was much like Spanish tap, and as she learned more, her interest skyrocketed.
“Flamenco expresses emotion,” says Julie. “It doesn't necessarily tell a story beginning, middle and end, but it's a flash of emotions that come from a story.” She loves being part of its meaningful script that is improvised with a singer, guitarist and dancer. “Everybody who is doing this together knows the rules,” she says. “We all know the expectations and how to communicate nonverbally. But we don't really have a plan, and nobody knows how it's going to end up or what's going to come next. And what does come next? Depends on what the person before just did. That’s my favorite way to perform. It’s exhilarating!”
Based in Atlanta, Julie visits schools around Georgia with performers from her nonprofit A Través. It’s a residency experience that presents beginner’s participatory flamenco to students following state-mandated educational guidelines. “I love that students are brave, and it's fun to see them be a little bit dazzled and have an experience with something that's not everyday life. They learn about themselves.”
Flamenco is widely perceived as a Spanish cultural dance. Julie says, “People are always saying: ‘You're an American, but you're a flamenco artist?’ I’ve found that there's a lot of influence from our side of the ocean. Part of the culture of flamenco is that it's been international for a very long time.”
As a collegiate Zeta, Julie says she made a lot of great friends and has wonderful memories. “I look back on it as a time when we did a lot of silly things that were a lot of fun. We took on some more serious matters, too. We grew as young women. I do stay in touch with friends from ZTA.”
Photo by Erik Voss
August Neal
Heartstrings for life
For August Neal (Alpha Chi Chapter, University of Kentucky), Wednesday nights are reserved for orchestra rehearsal. A cellist since middle school, she currently performs with the Alhambra Orchestra in Miami, Florida, a robust, 80-member nonprofit philharmonic—she’s beginning her 10th year as its president. “Our mission is to bring classical music to the public for free, or for low cost,” she says. “We’re a mix of musical people. Some are professional performers or teachers, all with very strong music backgrounds. Most are enthusiastic amateurs like I am. Almost all of us contribute our time to the orchestra and to the community because we love what we’re doing.”
With a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s in diplomacy and international commerce— plus additional graduate work in international political science at Germany’s University of Bonn — August took her education and skills into international banking. She lived in Europe for 10 years, then New York City and is now happily retired in Miami. During her career, the cello may have experienced a caesura (a break between sections of music), but it wasn’t forgotten. Years later, an outdoor orchestra concert in Maine spurred August’s desire to pick up a bow again. “After the concert, I spoke with a cellist, somebody from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where I was living. That sparked the idea that I needed to start playing the cello again. It felt like lifelong, unfulfilled business.
When she moved to Florida, August called the University of Miami to secure a cello teacher and not long after joined the Alhambra Orchestra. “I remember many Wednesday nights after rehearsal, at 10 p.m. I would call up my cello teacher in a semi-panic and say,
‘I can’t play this music. We need a lesson tomorrow!’ I got through it all…and fortunately, we have a very welcoming cello section.” With up to seven major concerts during its 10-month season, August says, “I love the whole group aspect and working together as a team and seeing all the progress that we make. We have a wonderful conductor. That makes a big difference.”
As a collegian, August served as chapter President and talks about her impressive ZTA sisters then and now. “They’re fun, interesting and accomplished women,” she says. She also appreciates the leadership opportunities she received. “Being President was good preparation for other things that would come my way later.”
August says, “I’m just one of many people across our county who had the good fortune of having a music education growing up and wanted to continue pursuing it.” She encourages former musicians of all levels to consider relaunching their pursuit of music. “Many in the Alhambra Orchestra did just that and their enthusiasm is palpable,” she says. “Restarting is a delightful challenge that will bring you joy, especially if you find a community group where you can play.” Stay tuned on Instagram #alhambraorchestra.
Photo by Theresa K. Renaud
Collegiate
news
Chapter Updates
[1] ALPHA
Longwood University
Chapter members spent a weekend at Massanutten Resort, where they created lasting memories. The weekend was filled with snowy adventures including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and hiking, plus relaxing in the pool and hot tub. Sisters participated in heartfelt bonding moments with Build-a-Bunny, Game Night and shared meals.
KAPPA
The University of Texas at Austin Collegians and alumnae gathered at the chapter facility for a professional networking dinner focused on mentorship, career advice and sisterhood. The event fostered personal growth and helped strengthen the chapter’s collegiatealumnae connection by encouraging deeper engagement with chapter alumnae and providing valuable insight into life beyond college.
[2] LAMBDA
Southwestern University
Chapter members enjoyed a shared creative experience with their participation in SING 2025. With a fun Scooby-Doo theme, sisters bonded through rehearsal and teamwork. This event allowed members to strengthen connections and ultimately emerge victorious!
[3] ALPHA UPSILON
Oklahoma State University
Sisters planned a formal Galentine’s dinner for 80 at a venue on campus. Alongside the dinner, the chapter held a Valentine-themed photoshoot where sisters wore pink and red, taking pictures outside to share on social media later.
[4] BETA GAMMA
Florida State University
The chapter hosted a Senior Brunch at Charlie Park, a beautiful restaurant in Tallahassee. Seniors were presented with scrapbooks from their Littles with memories of their days at FSU, and also received a gift made by the Senior Committee: a customized tote bag and framed picture of all the seniors taken during recruitment.
BETA DELTA
Miami University
Members took Polaroid photos to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and how lucky they feel to have their sisters! There was also a candy bar for members to make their own bags of favorites, and the photos were placed onto a poster to remain in the chapter suite for everyone to enjoy!
BETA LAMBDA
University of Louisville
Sisters from the chapter participated in the 87th annual Greek Sing competition on campus, featuring each group’s original arrangements and choreography. After months of hard work and dedication, they put on an amazing performance and the chapter is so proud!
[5] BETA OMICRON
University of South Carolina
Members hosted their annual Parent’s Weekend Brunch at the chapter facility, with a house tour for prospective live-in members and their families. As part of the special weekend, the chapter rented a private pavilion for members and their guests to enjoy a baseball game and a catered buffet with stadium food.
GAMMA GAMMA
The University of Texas at El Paso
Combining Fraternity education and fun, this chapter created a ZTA version of a traditional Mexican loteria game, similar to Bingo, using official symbols and ZTA’s nine Founders. Sisters played seven rounds of loteria with prizes for winners. While the game was smaller than the original, it was definitely big fun!
[6]
GAMMA ZETA
Mississippi State University
New members participated in a Valentine’s-themed recruitment workshop preparing them to be first-time recruiters. The workshop was their first look into this side of recruitment and reminded them how important their role is. Sisters learned more values-based recruiting and boosted morale for the 2025 recruitment season!
GAMMA IOTA
University of Florida
Sisters gathered for Front Lawn Friday, inviting the whole chapter to enjoy food and the warmth of a sunny afternoon. Sharing laughter over snacks and soaking in the spring weather helped the women connect, share stories and create memories outside the usual rush of meetings and events. This casual gathering fostered a sense of unity and support.
GAMMA NU
University of Virginia
The chapter visited a local vineyard to enjoy the beautiful spring weather and delicious food, including catered sandwiches, salads and charcuterie. Seniors had a chance to better get to know the newest members, and the rest of the chapter got to celebrate the seniors before their pending graduation.
[7] GAMMA SIGMA
University of Tampa
At the Greek Variety Show, sisters partnered with the brothers of FIJI to create “Team Cheetah Girls.” The team brought energy, creativity and collaboration to the stage, celebrating the bonds between Greek organizations and the excitement of campus traditions. Cheetah Girls won first place and raised the most money. A great result for the chapter’s first year back on campus!
DELTA PI
Eastern New Mexico University
The school’s annual Student Affairs Banquet celebrates all organizations on campus. This year, the chapter won Student Organization of the Year and chapter President Emmea Schettino won Student Leader of the Year! “I am so honored to represent the Fraternity and show the resilience of a Mighty Mighty chapter,” she said.
ZETA GAMMA
Youngstown State University
In March, the chapter held an event celebrating International Women’s Day. Sisters were encouraged to bring important women in their lives as guests to make flower bouquets together and enjoy some sweet treats. Members of the Youngstown, OH Chapter were also there as honored alumnae guests.
ZETA THETA
East Central University
Sisters of this chapter had an opportunity to participate in a community service event cleaning up trash at local Wintersmith Park. They enjoyed their time serving their community as well as getting to spend time with each other!
ZETA OMEGA
Ferris State University
Chapter members gathered at a local venue to Meet at Midnight for the chapter’s spring formal. Sisters enjoyed a night of dancing, fueled by a pasta dinner, with lots of chatting and photo opportunities. Everyone who attended received a personal award and felt true sisterhood!
ETA ALPHA
Georgia Southwestern State University
The Area 11 Special Olympics is hosted by Georgia Southwestern State University twice a year. It’s a chance
for children with disabilities in surrounding counties to display their skills and talents through various games. Chapter sisters kept score, served as teacher’s aids, and most importantly, were cheerleaders.
ETA ZETA
Elon University
A self-defense class, in partnership with Pink and Fierce, was both educational and inspiring for the 50 chapter members in attendance. The CEO of Pink and Fierce spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment and safety, and taught participants a series of moves to know for different scenarios.
ETA IOTA
Valdosta State University
Some members of the current and past Executive Council attended an awards banquet to showcase what the chapter accomplished in the past year. Eta Iota proudly received five awards, including the College
Panhellenic Council Chapter of the Year. It was also recognized for excellence in programming, leadership, and academics and reporting.
ETA KAPPA
University of Central Florida
The chapter hosted a mat Pilates session, sponsored by Jet Set Pilates, at the chapter facility. The event was designed for everyone to participate, and it was especially fun because it was led by a chapter sister.
[8] ETA PI
Wright State University
Members poured their time and love into planning a Vogue-themed formal that fostered a sense of belonging among sisters. From capturing memories through photos, to dancing the night away, every moment was filled with joy and connection. Thoughtful surprises for this year’s seniors added a meaningful touch, making it a truly unforgettable night for the entire chapter.
[9] ETA TAU
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The chapter hosted a vibrant Floral Paradise formal at The Royal Tot to celebrate the end of the academic year. With upbeat music, delicious food and a great turnout, the evening was a perfect way to make memories and enjoy time with sisters.
THETA GAMMA
Texas A&M University
The Big Event is a large annual service event on campus in which the chapter always participates. It’s fulfilling for the sisters and a great way to give back to the community. This year, members enjoyed breakfast tacos together before joining other students to serve over 28 residents of the Bryan-College Station area.
THETA XI
Rutgers University
Zetas hit it out of the park as chapter members attended a New York Yankees baseball game! Members say it was great to sit together and enjoy the game from the bleachers.
THETA PSI
Texas State University
A sisterhood event called Zeta is Bejeweled offered a fun and creative space for members to bond through arts and crafts. Sisters gathered to decorate and personalize items with rhinestones and gems, turning everyday objects into dazzling keepsakes. The activity perfectly blended creativity with community!
THETA CHI
George Mason University
Sisters partnered with Gamma Phi Beta on campus to assemble care packages for a local women’s shelter. Donations were collected by members in both chapters and from other students, then organized into care packages and taken to the shelter. It was a great way to bond with other Panhellenic women while supporting an organization everyone admires.
IOTA THETA
Georgia Institute of Technology
Introducing...the ZTA Professional Experience Database! This chapter created a way for alumnae sisters to share their work experience and contact information—enhancing networking opportunities and strengthening alumnae relations. The database has more than 275 entries and is a great resource for members.
IOTA OMEGA
University of Maryland
The chapter partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program and Zeta Psi Fraternity to honor Black History Month and raise awareness about health disparities in the Black community. Chapter members from
both organizations joined NMDP outside McKeldin Library to share information about stem cells, bone marrow transplants and autoimmune diseases, and successfully encouraged 75 people to join the marrow/stem cell registry!
KAPPA ETA
Rockhurst University
The chapter celebrated its graduating seniors (both this spring and last December) with a catered brunch and coffee bar. The seniors received gifts and special notes letting them know how much of an impact each sister made to the chapter.
KAPPA THETA
California State University, San Bernadino
A Bid Day theme of From Strangers to Sisters began with an icebreaker called “Finding Your Match.” Participants had to find their partner, take a photo, identify something they had in common and share their findings at the end. Afterward, new members were given their pledge pins to symbolize the beginning of their ZTA journey.
[10] KAPPA LAMBDA
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Sisters had so much fun at the chapter’s annual spring formal! A tasty dinner was catered by The Roxy Supper Club and delicious desserts came from Tamara’s the Cake Guru. There also was a DJ and an awards ceremony with traditional Founders awards and superlatives.
[11] KAPPA PHI
Christopher Newport University
Alumnae and collegians celebrated the chapter’s 20th anniversary on April 23. Memories were shared in a photo slideshow and scrapbooks, while sisters mingled, snacked and remembered that Zeta Is Forever.
KAPPA OMEGA
Saint Louis University
Members presented Mother’s Pins to the special women in their lives to honor each woman’s strength and dedication. While it is called a Mother’s Pin, Zetas are encouraged to invite the person who best fits the role for them, whether that is a stepparent, guardian, grandmother, aunt or someone else.
LAMBDA BETA
University of Rhode Island
The fall new member classes from ZTA and the Alpha Delta Pi chapter came together to make Valentine’s Day bears and get to know one another better! Executive Council members also attended and everyone had a great time making new friends.
LAMBDA NU
Furman University
The chapter celebrated 10 years on campus with a lovely garden party. Collegians and alumnae had fun decorating cookies and everyone enjoyed spending time with sisters from various classes and celebrating everything the chapter has achieved in the last decade!
LAMBDA XI
Seton Hall University
Chapter sisters participated in a cupcake-decorating competition and the winners were awarded with custom ZTA merchandise. To liven things up, new members and juniors were paired up and had to answer trivia questions while frosting and adding sprinkles.
LAMBDA PI
Reinhardt University
Sisters held their spring formal with a theme based on Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night.” This event is one of the chapter’s most favorite events and sisters look forward to it every year.
LAMBDA RHO
Piedmont University
The chapter celebrated sisterhood with a dreamy Amalfi Coast Sunsetthemed formal where sisters soaked up golden skies and coastal vibes while making unforgettable memories together. The evening was filled with dancing, laughter and the vibrant spirit of la dolce vita!
LAMBDA TAU
Long Island University Brooklyn
Sisters welcomed new members with open arms on Bid Day. Everyone shared a joyful potluck, captured unforgettable moments and embraced the love in the air as Valentine’s Day approached. Cheers to sisterhood, laughter and new beginnings!
Noble Achievements
AVERY BENEDICT
Alpha Eta, University of Cincinnati
Avery, majoring in special education/ deaf studies, is Executive Board Secretary for the campus branch of Best Buddies. This international organization offers one-to-one friendship and leadership development for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. She also serves as president of SPARC (Supporting Positive, Accessible, Respectful Connections).
MEGAN PERSING
Kappa Phi, Christopher Newport University
A May 2025 graduate, Megan was creating DEI and social programming for her sisters, while she collaborated with the Virginia Supreme Court and Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance program to create a pre-law mental health initiative.
She was recognized as a Pre-Law Distinction Award recipient for her service to the community and commitment to the legal community. Megan will be continuing her education in George Washington University’s paralegal program.
KATIE HOLMES
Iota Sigma, Old Dominion University
As her campus Panhellenic Council’s Vice President Academic, Katie networked to secure a discount for PHC members on a study app and scheduled relevant educational workshops as well. She also serves her chapter as Vice President Campus Relations. General Advisor Kristin Moll says, “Katie has shown a strong resolve to improve campus relations and ZTA presence on the Panhellenic level, utilizing her network to expand opportunities and appreciation to the chapter.”
NINA SIMS
Beta Lambda, University of Louisville
Nina is serving her second term as her chapter’s Vice President Finance and serves as director of operations for The Bird’s Nest, a student-run, full-service marketing agency. She has led research campaigns, managed volunteers, and assisted in the planning and execution of the university’s Summit for Inclusive Excellence. Her awards include American Advertising Federation’s recognition for content creation and a Public Relations Society of America “Landmark of Excellence Award.”
Alumnae
Chapter Updates
ALABAMA
Montgomery, AL Chapter
Chapter members met Theta Nu Chapter (Auburn University at Montgomery) at P’zazz Art Studio to paint and decorate door signs. They also worked together to break down pallets and sort packaged food to distribute to over 12 counties through the Heart of Alabama Food Bank.
[1] Northwest Alabama Chapter Sisters had a wonderful time at Zeta Day celebrating sisterhood and remembering why we should be proud to be Zetas. The chapter was filled with pride for winning some well-deserved awards as well.
ARKANSAS
Jonesboro, AR Chapter
This chapter traditionally hosts a dinner to honor the academic achievements of Zeta Omega Chapter (Ferris State University) collegians with a GPA of 3.75-4.00 for the preceding term. At the chapter facility, alumnae provide a buffet dinner and join collegians for a meal and conversation.
Northwest Arkansas Chapter
The chapter was honored and excited to witness the initiation of two women joining Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) as well as get to meet and speak with each of them to welcome them to the sisterhood.
ARIZONA
Phoenix, AZ Chapter Sisters gathered at Mon Cheri restaurant in Scottsdale for a
Valentine/Galentine-themed happy hour. Sisters wore pink or red in honor of the occasion, complementing the restaurant’s festive decor perfectly. Everyone enjoyed Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and appetizers while chatting and laughing with sisters.
CALIFORNIA
Long Beach, CA Chapter Pinkies out! Chapter members had a wonderful time at the McKenna Tea Cottage enjoying yummy sandwiches, delicious tea and Zeta sisters. How could you ask for more?
North Valley, CA Chapter Sisters met at a member’s home to learn how to decorate sugar cookies from a local baker. Everyone went home with a plate full of the most delicious, and most beautiful, cookies!
[2] Southern Peninsula, CA Chapter While enjoying a beautiful spring day and a visit to a local winery in San Jose, members used the opportunity to discuss an upcoming service event and do a little planning for the remainder of the ZTA year.
COLORADO
Boulder, CO Chapter Sisters gathered at a member’s house to play Bingo and enjoy snacks and each other’s company. Everyone brought a white elephant gift, and all were then used as prizes.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
[3] Washington, D.C. Chapter Chapter members of all ages ran in the Flowering 5K at the National Arboretum in early spring. Congrats
to sister Jana Patterson (Alpha Mu, Washburn University) for placing first in her age group!
FLORIDA
Clearwater, FL Chapter
Sisters celebrated 50 years of their alumnae chapter with a Zeta Lady dinner, a catered meal at a member’s home. Everyone received a ZTA keychain and a Zeta Lady glass. Sisters sang songs and also held a candlelight service to celebrate members’ accomplishments. The night was made even more special because two charter members were in attendance.
[4] Miami, FL Chapter
Chapter members met at a local restaurant for a recruitment event. Sisters enjoyed the event and said it was a success because the chapter added two more members!
Orlando, FL Chapter
Sisters attended a St. Patrick’s Day festival in Winter Garden, Florida, packed with Irish dancing, food and music to celebrate the holiday and bond as sisters.
Tallahassee, FL Chapter
Sisters have been exploring different ethnic restaurants this year for a fun new twist on their usual programming. Recently, they enjoyed great Venezuelan cuisine cooked by a multigenerational family.
Treasure Coast, FL Chapter
In this “family and friends” event, the chapter visited The Elliott Museum’s UFO art experience. Sisters met an alien that offered to take ZTA intergalactic! After, everyone enjoyed dinner and live music on the beach at a local tiki hut.
GEORGIA
Atlanta, GA Alpha Chapter
Members packed boxes for U.S. military serving overseas for Project Mail Call, putting together goody boxes with letters of support. Project Mail Call has existed for 20 years, and this chapter has been a major contributor for 18 of them.
Atlanta, GA Themis Chapter
Members met at a pizzeria for dinner and to play trivia. The multigenerational team answered questions from different eras and across genres. The “Maud Squad” team won second place against seven teams!
Dekalb County, GA Chapter
The chapter’s Masters Tea Par-Tee was a hole-in-one! Guests enjoyed classic Masters-inspired treats like pimento cheese sandwiches and a refreshing azalea mocktail. A lively golf trivia game kept everyone engaged, with exciting prizes for the winners.
Golden Isle, GA Chapter
Sisters met at a member’s home, where the host taught attendees how to paint a sunflower on a canvas to take home. Everyone was happy with the results and discovered several budding artists among the group.
IOWA
Des Moines, IA Chapter
The chapter annually plans a date night for members and a guest. This year, attendees went axe throwing. After learning how to properly, and safely, throw the axes, everyone split into teams. There was some goodspirited competition and no injuries!
ILLINOIS
[5] City of Chicago, IL Chapter
To help sisters be tourists in their own backyard, members gathered at the Art Institute of Chicago for a night of sisterhood. It was a free admission night at the museum and two new sisters came to the event!
St. Louis Metro-East, IL Chapter
For the fourth year, sisters went to Restore Décor, which rescues and transforms old, donated furniture for families in need. The organization, all volunteers, assists in every step of restoration and delivery. Sisters love to help the community, one piece of furniture at a time.
LOUISIANA
Baton Rouge, LA Chapter
Sisters held a Galentine’s brunch at Houmas House Estate and Gardens, a pre-Civil War home on the Mississippi River. Everyone enjoyed the 38acre lush gardens with sculptures, fountains, blooming plants and historic live oak trees.
Northshore, LA Chapter Laissez le bon temps rouler! The chapter met up to “let the good times roll” while decorating Mardi Grasthemed cookies at Brass Monkey!
MASSACHUSETTS
[6] Bay State, MA Chapter
Sisters gathered for a spin class and smoothies with local collegians from Kappa Omicron Chapter (Merrimack College). Attendees enjoyed sweating to their favorite tunes and chatting over post-workout smoothies.
MARYLAND
Annapolis, MD Chapter
The collegians of Gamma Beta Chapter (Washington College) invited alumnae and their families to brunch on campus. It was a lovely event appreciated by all.
Frederick, MD Chapter
Sisters continue to support their community by participating in the annual Bring A Broom Saturday event, hosted by the Downtown Frederick Partnership. Sisters combine service and sisterhood by planting flowers to help beautify the downtown area.
MICHIGAN
Grand Traverse Area, MI Chapter
It’s never too early to share the love of reading! Chapter sisters were thrilled to have a member bring her little girl to her first alumnae meeting, a book discussion. The other members (all grandmothers) loved doting on her!
Greater Grand Rapids, MI Chapter
This chapter partnered with Zeta Omega Chapter (Ferris State University) for pottery painting and networking. Sisters from both chapters loved getting to socialize with one another.
MINNESOTA
Twin Cities, MN Chapter
Sisters host a monthly event to explore a new brewery, winery or coffee shop together! Members give input on their favorite local places, and the chapter organizes an event to try one of those venues each month.
MISSOURI
Springfield, MO Chapter
Sisters gathered for a delicious lunch! This regular event brings sisters together from different walks of life since it is held during the day, rather than at night or on a weekend.
NORTH CAROLINA
Blue Ridge, NC Chapter
To celebrate the diversity of the chapter’s membership, one sister introduced a Carpatho-Rusyn dish from her Eastern European culture for sisters to cook. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the chapter plans to continue this cooking class series.
NEBRASKA
Omaha, NE Chapter Alumnae enjoyed sharing laughs, good food and great conversation during its February Book Club. Members lingered longer than anticipated, reminiscing about their collegiate days. Plans for the next Book Club are already in the works.
NEW JERSEY
Mercer-Bucks, NJ Chapter
The chapter hosted PJs and Pancakes with an amazing spread of everything from pastries to waffles, and of course, pancakes! Each sister also brought onesies to donate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Capital Health Medical Center.
NEW MEXICO
[7] Albuquerque, NM Chapter
The chapter held its second annual Murder Mystery and also had some fun making candles. Sisters decorated the candles with a variety of ZTA symbols as they engaged in thoughtful conversation.
NEVADA
Southern Nevada Chapter
To welcome spring, members and friends enjoyed a beautiful afternoon painting doormats, enjoying cocktails and appetizers, and raising money for their chapter scholarship.
NEW YORK
New York City, NY Chapter Sisters paired fresh, homemade ice cream with a delicious wine meant to complement the flavors of each one. They then curated a selection of four unique flavor pairings to create a flight-style tasting to enjoy with sisters and friends alike.
OHIO
Cincinnati, OH Chapter
Chapter members enjoyed shopping and lunch at revered Findlay Market. Afterward, sisters visited Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and Social Center to donate supplies they had collected for the organization.
[12] Columbus, OH Chapter
Alumnae and collegians from Alpha Zeta Chapter (The Ohio State University) worked on their physical and mental health by taking a walk together. Sisters strolled the Olentangy River, which runs through campus. They had great conversations, enjoyed the wildlife and got their steps in!
Dayton, OH Chapter
Sisters attended the Dayton Area Panhellenic Style Show which raises funds to support scholarships. Two of the chapter’s sisters served as models for the event and the chapter donated 12 silent auction baskets.
OKLAHOMA
[13] Stillwater, OK Chapter
Alumnae worked with collegians from Alpha Upsilon Chapter (Oklahoma State University) to create fun food for everyone to try. Furthermore, the alumnae provided recipes and how-to’s for the collegians as they all prepared the dishes.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia, SC Chapter
A generous sister hosted chapter members in her private box at Colonial Life Arena for the University of South Carolina’s women’s
basketball game against University of Florida. Cheering on the Lady Gamecocks together was memorable!
Greenwood, SC Chapter
This chapter invited members of all ages to celebrate sisterhood by sharing their Bid Day photos. The idea was to flood social media feeds with memories from that special day. Whether it had been just a few years—or several decades—everyone was encouraged to post a picture and relive that magical moment.
TENNESSEE
Chattanooga Area, TN Chapter
Sisters from this chapter channeled their inner warriors with a fun afternoon of axe throwing. It was an exhilarating way to celebrate sisterhood!
Knoxville, TN Chapter
Chapter members booked a cabin in Cumberland State Park and stayed the weekend before Tennessee Zeta Day. With making breakfast together, drinking coffee by the river and going on an afternoon stroll, sisters enjoyed their time in the beautiful state park!
Murfreesboro, TN Chapter
The chapter hosted a virtual ZTAthemed Bingo night. Cards were filled with ZTA facts, making the event both fun and educational, and sisters had a great time learning and laughing together. There were five lucky winners by the end of the night.
TEXAS
Austin, TX Chapter
Chapter members met over guacamole and queso to catch up during a busy spring! Sisters talked about everything from their collegiate experiences to current jobs, and all things ZTA!
Central Texas Chapter
Welcome to the alumnae world! Members held an Alumnae Initiation ceremony with the graduating seniors of Theta Omicron Chapter (Baylor
University). After the ceremony, members shared desserts with new alumnae sisters to welcome them.
Cypress, TX Chapter
Zetas Embracing The Adventure (ZETA) is a Crown Connection created by the chapter to help those seeking adventure. In spring, members met at Houston’s iconic Bayou City Arts Festival to peruse works showcased by 300 artists in 19 different categories.
[14] Dallas Area Night
Alumnae Chapter
Chapter members toured the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas during its special exhibition “Quince Latinas: One Common Thread.” They were also given an insider’s tour by the artist, Diana Marquis.
Dallas, TX Association
Members took a delightful day trip to historic McKinney, Texas. The day included a delicious lunch followed by shopping and exploring the many unique shops in the town square. It was a great day to spend time together as sisters and friends.
Houston Northwest, TX Chapter
To support the local Panhellenic Council in its scholarship fundraising efforts, the chapter attended Panhellenic Bingo night. Sisters provided a Pretty in Pastels basket for the silent auction and carried over that theme to the chapter’s table. Everyone enjoyed a Mexican dinner as they played Bingo.
Houston West, TX Chapter
Sisters gathered under the glow of an “Italian Summer,” with zesty lemons, breezy white linen and a whole lot of love. Beyond the gorgeous theme, the chapter had something even more beautiful to celebrate: three of its members beat cancer this year!
San Antonio, TX Chapter
Sisters gathered at a local eatery for a special Galentine’s brunch. Members split into pairs to play Valentine MadLibs and then shared the results with the rest of the group.
VIRGINIA
Northern Virginia Chapter
Members celebrated the chapter’s 76th birthday by giving each other gifts! Each sister brought three of her favorite things, all three the same item, under $20. Members took turns choosing favorites from the entire collection, and everyone ended the night together enjoying a yummy chocolate dessert.
Richmond, VA Chapter
The chapter celebrated its historic Panhellenic sisterhood at Brambly Park with the local alumnae chapters of the other Farmville Four organizations. It was so much fun for members to meet sisters from the other organizations and celebrate their shared history.
Tri-Cities Virginia Chapter
Sisters sipped delicious pre-luncheon drinks at a member’s home and then enjoyed a delicious lunch of quiches, tossed salad, muffins, dessert and a Fraternity trivia game about the first Zeta song.
ZTALWAYS
ZTAlways Alumnae Chapter
During American Heart Month in February, members learned about cardiovascular health, including warning signs of heart attack and stroke, through a presentation by a chapter member. Participants of the Empowering a Healthy Lifestyle program also learned simple, effective ways to integrate heart-healthy practices into daily routines.
Noble Achievements
AMBER MORGAN BOLLINGER
Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University Honored with the university’s 2025 Division 3 Superior Accomplishment Award and 2023 Heavener Sponsored Program Advisor of the Year, Amber is Director of Career Readiness Curriculum at UF. “I lead efforts to equip business students with the skills they need to succeed, overseeing a career readiness sequence that currently impacts over 1,400 students and will scale to more than 5,500 by 2029 through curriculum design, mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives.”
VICKY KIDDER
Lambda Gamma, The University of Texas at San Antonio
A 2025 graduate, Vicky was named as an Archer Fellow, an extremely prestigious program that allows about 40 undergraduate students and 34 graduate students across the University of Texas System (nine institutions) to intern in Washington, D.C. Vicky interned with the White House Council of Economic Advisers and Sen. John Cornyn. One of UTSA’s shining stars among 35,000 students, she proudly represents ZTA in all her media interviews.
[1] Charlotte Pattillo
Theta Eta, Stephen F. Austin State University
Charlotte performs in concerts, pop shows, choirs and off-campus gigs. “I wouldn’t be the performer I am now without my sisters’ support!”
[2] Leah Miller
Zeta Lambda, Rider University
Competitive dancer Leah seamlessly transitioned to Rider’s musical theatre program. “My ZTA sisters are the most uplifting group to cheer me on.”
[3] Felicity White
Alpha Beta, University of Pennsylvania
Felicity performs in five musicals per year. She also directs a community children’s theatre program every summer, fostering their love of theatre.
[4] Arya Bovich
Iota Eta, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Through UNLV, Arya had a rare opportunity to perform “Angels of the Inmost Heaven” at The Joyce Theater, New York City’s premiere dance venue.
[5] Andi Creech
Iota Rho, East Carolina University
Andi opened a concert for Broadway performer/ Grammy winner NaTasha Yvette Williams, and has sung at festivals and charitable events since she was 8.
[6] Drew Richelle
Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University
Singer-songwriter Drew is nominated as Vocalist of the Year for the Josie Music Awards in November!
[7] Maddie Jones
Delta Delta, Baldwin Wallace University
After three auditions, Maddie was selected for Broadway Evolved, a two-day intensive workshop with stars and pros. Maddie calls it “truly life-changing.”
[8] Saige Walea
Zeta Xi, Georgia Southern University
Saige is a college theatre performer/2025 grad kicking off her career singing at local restaurants in her college town.
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 sistersonly.zetataualpha.org and update your information. You may also email changes to zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org (subject: Address Change) or call IO at (317) 872–0540.
Parents/guardians: While your student is in college, ZTA sends the magazine to the home address on file. If your student has a different permanent address, please send it in.
HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS
Send all news and photos to the Communication Department through the form at bit.ly/ThemisStories. 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).
