While some believe sorority membership is only relevant while in college, my experience has shown me that the value extends far beyond the college years and is most impactful in one’s alumnae years.
Fifty years ago, I was initiated into Delta Omega Chapter (Westminster College). I had four years of fun, friendships, and many opportunities to grow through leadership positions. Little did I realize the impact ZTA would have.
After graduation, my journey as a Zeta truly blossomed as I became active in the Washington, D.C. Alumnae Chapter. When I move to a new city, the first thing I do is find the local ZTA alumnae chapter. My memories from D.C. include volunteering at Race for the Cure and Martha’s Table, many fun social events, and serving as a chapter officer and national committee member. I always credit the training and experience from my ZTA collegiate and alumnae positions for my success serving on several nonprofit boards.
Next, I was off to New Jersey, where I continued to build on the foundation I laid in D.C. My first event was the Christmas party (which is still held at the same sister’s home 30 years later!). There, I was embraced by the Northern New Jersey Zetas. I enjoyed the progressive dinners, themed costume parties, and service opportunities at the local and national levels, including distributing Think Pink® ribbons at NY Giants’ games and “adopting families” through the Salvation Army.
(Top) JoAnn and Mary Ellen Rogers met as young alumnae in the Washington, D.C. Chapter and have been best friends ever since. Here, they celebrated the alumnae chapter’s 100th anniversary.
(Bottom) Mary Ellen and JoAnn attended ZTA’s Centennial Convention together in 1998.
Today, I live in Arizona, where I have met more remarkable Zetas in the Phoenix, AZ Alumnae Chapter. These sisters have helped me to get to know my new community through their many chapter and Crown Connections events.
Even if one is not near an alumnae chapter, there are opportunities to be involved online, such as the ZTA Virtual Book Club on Facebook. That has been a great way for me to connect with sisters around the country.
ZTA has enhanced my life through the many new friendships and connections I have made, but none has been more cherished than finding my unwavering, loyal sister and best friend, Mary Ellen Mazzanti Rogers (Delta Beta, Florida Southern College). In Washington, D.C., our alumnae chapter sister Bobby Seitz Turnbull (Alpha Theta, Purdue University) connected us because we each had young children at the time. Even though we have lived in different parts of the country for all but a few years, we have had many adventures. For 35 years, our friendship has been a testament to the bonds that ZTA fosters, reminding me time and again of the strength and support borne from our shared experiences.
Our legacy as ZTA alumnae is a tapestry woven with the threads of our impacts and friendships created throughout the years. Embrace the journey, forge new connections, and honor the legacy of our Fraternity.
I am immensely proud to be part of Zeta Tau Alpha and strongly encourage everyone to get involved early and stay involved. You will reap the benefits in more ways than you could ever imagine!
JOANN CASSEBAUM WEISEL Delta Omega, Westminster College
04
ZETAS IN CHARGE
Three members shared how they became leaders in their professions and the wisdom they have for the next generation.
11
ZTA IS CALLING
Are you making the most of your lifelong membership in ZTA? Whether you’re a recent grad or seasoned alumna, there’s no wrong way to engage with our sisterhood. Check out nine tips for getting and staying involved at any stage of life.
20 SPARKING INSPIRATION
Looking for inspiration for your alumnae chapter? Officers from four chapters, including the Hickory-Morganton, NC Chapter (pictured above), shared their best tips for maximizing the alumnae chapter experience in the areas of event planning, Crown Connections, recruitment, and alumnae-collegiate relations.
This issue is all about celebrating the alumnae experience! Our alumnae prove year after year that Zeta Is Forever.
VOLUME 124 NUMBER 3
SPRING 2026
1036 S. Rangeline Road Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 872–0540 zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org
STAFF
Managing Editor
Ellie Crawford, Delta Alpha
Graphic Designer Alex Arthur
Creative Director
Kahlie Cannon Day Chief Communications Officer Ashley Sherman
Contributing Writers
Kristel Aranas, Delta Alpha
Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi
Katie Jones, Kappa Mu
Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi
Hannah Rowe, Zeta Alpha
Zetas on the go!
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF TRAVEL?
Today Forever &
TERRI DAY FITZHARRIS
Eta Pi
Wright State University
I joined the Dayton, OH Chapter more than 20 years ago. I wanted to reconnect with sisters and channel my passions for scholarship and service. I am proud to say I have done that over the years in my roles as alumnae chapter President and Vice President Philanthropy.
As VP Philanthropy, I coordinated a chapter service project with Daybreak of Dayton, a homeless shelter for youth ages 10-24. After connecting through ZTA, I continued volunteering with Daybreak. I have been the Volunteer Parenting Specialist for two years, and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I was named Daybreak’s Volunteer of the Year at their 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2025.
I was quite hesitant to join. I thought I might be considered an “old lady” the younger members couldn’t relate to. However, I found that I had more in common with younger alumnae than I thought. Our devotion to ZTA unites us.
Q Q A A
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE DAYTON, OH ALUMNAE CHAPTER?
KATHERINE GORSUCH
Alpha Eta University of Cincinnati
I joined in 2024. I didn’t want my involvement in ZTA to end after graduation. Continuing with the alumnae chapter felt natural. I already had a connection to this chapter because my mom and older sister are members. The Dayton alumnae have supported me since the day I accepted my bid.
HOW HAS BEING IN THE ALUMNAE CHAPTER IMPACTED YOU?
Through sisterhood events, dinners, and philanthropic activities, I’ve discovered meaningful ways to remain engaged, contribute to causes I care about, and nurture the bonds I formed as a collegian. This chapter has shown me that even as life moves forward, I can always rely on the guidance and support of my fellow Zetas.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN CONSIDERING JOINING AN ALUMNAE CHAPTER?
Joining an alumnae chapter is less about a schedule and more about connection. The friendships, support, and opportunities to give back grow even stronger as life changes. Even if you’re unsure at first, showing up when you can and engaging at your own pace is enough; the chapter will meet you where you are!
TIME MACHINE
You’re given the chance to go back to college for one day and one day only. What day do you choose?
BIKE RACE 1981
“Zeta Alpha Chapter took first and third place! I got to ride with my Big Sister. She was on the first-place team; I was on the third-place team. We trained for months. So many early mornings!”
JEANIE MCCARTER SCHNEIDER
Zeta Alpha University of Evansville
SUBMIT YOUR ANSWER HERE!
As we interviewed sisters for this issue, we asked them: What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to? Check out their recs, then flip to their stories to see what else they had to say.
I love anything by Freida McFadden!
JULIANNA SALYER Gamma Zeta, Mississippi State University page 10
I’ve been reading “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, which was made into a movie with Ryan Gosling. I’m not normally into sci-fi, but it’s really good.
CIGI SPARKS
Delta Omicron, Lenoir-Rhyne University page 20
I’ve been watching “The Traitors” with my roommates every week.
HANNAH HEYBURN Kappa Zeta, Clemson University page 26
With Leadership as one of ZTA’s Nine Key Values, it’s not hard to find Zetas crushing it in their professional roles. From an entrepreneur who dedicates her time in retirement to mentoring students to a company vice president advocating for women in a male-dominated field and a C-level executive taking on tough challenges to make a real impact, these members are proving that hard work, humility, and a desire to improve things for the next generation of women are the keys to leading with heart.
Bonney Stamper Shuman
By Christy Marx Barber, Contributing Writer
Three years after college graduation, Bonney Stamper Shuman (Gamma Pi, University of Georgia) was promoted to branch manager at the bank where she had worked since high school. While reviewing the budget, she discovered her predecessor, who had less experience, had been paid significantly more. When she asked why, the response was, “Well, he has a family.”
“That motivated me to do something else, so I would never be in that situation again,” Bonney said.
In 1983, she and a fellow UGA graduate formed Bar Code Systems to sell camera-ready barcode art to printers and packaging companies. She traveled the country to sell the
concept of Universal Product Codes and earned contracts with The Home Depot, Sara Lee, Coca-Cola, Saks, and other large corporations.
In 1988, Bonney sold the barcode generation portion of the company to her brother, changed the company’s name to Stratix Corporation, and became the Chief Executive Officer. When she sold her ownership in Stratix and retired in 2011, her company had 160 employees with just over $150 million in revenue.
“I didn’t have a clue about becoming an entrepreneur,” Bonney said. “I didn’t have any mentors, so I asked to meet with successful people. That has motivated me to be a resource. I’m driven to help as many women as possible in any way I can.”
Her alma mater has been an ongoing recipient of Bonney’s drive to help. She is a former treasurer and current Executive Committee member of the UGA Foundation and formerly served on the board of the entrepreneurial program at UGA’s Terry College of Business. Each year, she volunteers to mentor two business majors, especially those underrepresented in the field.
“I always ask about the student’s concerns,” she said. “They have worries and stressors that were never on my radar at their age. They feel the need to do everything perfectly. I remind them that there is never a perfect answer. I try to provide confidence. I discuss multiple scenarios and offer words of wisdom.”
FIVE PIECES OF WISDOM FROM BONNEY:
• Find people who are trustworthy, support you, and care about your mental health. A network is like comfort food.
• Learn to work through uncomfortable situations. Practice those scenarios until you are no longer intimidated.
• Call, don’t text. People do business with people they enjoy. Getting to know you requires conversations.
• Ask for help. Women tend to put our heads down and get our tasks done by ourselves. Men are not afraid to ask for a favor.
• Be bold. Take your shot. Apply for that job even if you don’t meet all the “required” skills.
Bonney served as ZTA’s Vice President Collegiate II on National Council from 1993 to 1995 and was the ZTA Foundation’s Outstanding Alumna in 2014.
SINCE HER RETIREMENT, BONNEY HAS GIVEN MUCH OF HER TIME TO MENTORING STUDENTS FROM THE TERRY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AT UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.
THE SEA ISLAND SCHOLARS PROGRAM BRINGS SELECTED STUDENTS ON A RETREAT WITH THEIR MENTORS FOR A WEEKEND EACH MARCH.
Amanda Luellen Olson
By Katie Jones, Contributing Writer
Being a female leader in a maledominated field isn’t always easy. Amanda Luellen Olson (Eta Theta, Missouri University of Science and Technology) combats those challenges by “showing up and speaking up.”
Amanda is the Vice President of Engineering at the firm Burns & McDonnell, where she oversees technical direction and growth for the Transmission & Distribution department. What started as two internships in college grew into her current leadership role, in which she supports the engineers who are integral to the company’s success. Having started as an engineer herself,
she truly understands that “engineers are the bread and butter of what we do.”
Amanda has also worked extensively with the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE), where she previously served as chair for both the Next Generation Network, which supports those new to the industry, and the Women in Energy forum, which spotlights women in the energy sector. She was recognized for her contributions to CIGRE in these roles with the Next Generation Network Significant Contribution Award in 2020 and the Women in Energy Award in 2022.
engineering majors,” she said. “I was often the only female in my classes, but having that house of women to go back to made it seem like there were just as many women as men, even though there weren’t.” She also feels fortunate to work at a company like Burns & McDonnell that strives to recognize successful work regardless of gender.
While Amanda’s work focuses on uplifting those in the engineering field, her own path hasn’t been without challenges. When transitioning to the workforce, Amanda remembers feeling “somewhat naive. I had the mindset of ‘everyone’s treated equally.’ Over time, you start to see the differences,” she said. “There are a lot of unconscious biases that occur in a male-dominated field.”
Despite this, Amanda said she has always felt supported both by her ZTA sisters and her company. “Most of my sorority sisters were
Amanda’s time in Eta Theta allowed her to develop her networking skills, which have been integral to her success. “Learning how to interact and live with different people builds skills you can use to grow your network once you enter the professional world,” she said.
Amanda also emphasized the importance of being an advocate for herself and others. She encourages people to “speak up if you see things that are happening” and to “raise your hand and take on responsibilities, because that’s when you really start to provide value, not just to the organization, but to yourself too.” Amanda’s dedication to engineering, advocacy, and progress has yielded an impressive career, but if you ask her, she’ll say there’s still a long way to go.
HAVING WORKED AS AN ENGINEER HERSELF, AMANDA (RIGHT) TRULY UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF UPLIFTING THOSE IN THE FIELD.
AMANDA IS PASSIONATE ABOUT MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION AND SUPPORTING WOMEN IN THE ENERGY FIELD.
Shamim Syed Wu
By Kristel Aranas, Contributing Writer
For Shamim Syed Wu (Theta Omega, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona), taking on a major leadership position seemed like a natural next step in her career. Having reached a top role as Chief Sales Officer, she knew she wanted to do something bigger. “I wanted the ability to shape the company culture the way I wanted to,” she said.
Today, she’s the Chief Operating Officer of Exer Urgent Care, leading a multimillion-dollar healthcare organization in California. According to Shamim, her drive to achieve comes from serving as a caregiver for her father, who passed from glioblastoma just after she graduated from college.
Left to care for her family, Shamim learned how healthcare providers can give their patients a sense of normalcy despite what they are going through. Because of this, she knew that a career in health care, albeit on
the non-clinical side, was where she could really make an impact and do something fulfilling. “It’s about celebrating people while they’re here and where they are.”
How can other women reach new heights in their careers? “Lean into the challenge,” Shamim said. “Run into the burning building.” For her, the most critical thing one can do to level up their career is to add value, no matter what position they are in.
Shamim made a name for herself by being the person people could trust to have the tenacity to achieve hard goals. When she had the opportunity to take on a role that others in her industry had passed on, she met that challenge head-on, turning a company in distress into a success story.
“You have to take jobs that seem hard and might not be glamorous,” she said. “People are inclined to the path of least resistance, but when you bet on yourself, you’re never going to go wrong.”
Understanding how to make an impact is something Shamim learned as a Zeta at Cal Poly Pomona. “ZTA introduced me to so many people of different backgrounds, personalities, and majors.” That exposure to diversity, as well as serving as her chapter’s VP Member Experience and Greek Week Chair, taught Shamim how to bring people together to achieve a goal by focusing on commonalities instead of differences.
For young women just starting on their sorority journey, her advice is to remember the humility in leadership. “You get out of an organization what you put into it,” she said. “Take any role, no matter how small. Success can mean many things: financial, how you make people feel, and your impact.”
SHAMIM (RIGHT) ENCOURAGES OTHER WOMEN TO BET ON THEMSELVES WHEN TAKING ON LEADERSHIP ROLES.
SHAMIM MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY BY TAKING ON HARD CHALLENGES.
Links to Our Past
A look at the early days of alumnae chapters.
By Patti Cords Levitte, ZTA Archivist
Early on, alumnae chapters often served as an extension of collegiate life, guiding recruitment and offering financial support before Zeta Tau Alpha had national resources in place. As the network of alumnae chapters grew, the focus moved beyond supporting collegiate chapters and shifted toward developing an enriching experience for alumnae members. In addition to fostering sisterhood after college, alumnae began focusing on their own philanthropic and service projects after World War II.
RICHMOND, VA ALUMNAE CHAPTER
The oldest continually active alumnae chapter is Richmond, VA. It’s been in operation since October 1907. This photo shows the chapter at the Alpha Province Convention in 1927. Three of ZTA’s Founders, who were members of the chapter, are in this photo.
FIRST MENTION IN THEMIS
The second issue of Themis (November 1904) brought up the idea of forming alumnae chapters to keep graduates informed and involved with their collegiate chapter.
OFFICIALLY CHARTERED IN 1927
Although alumnae chapters had been operating since 1905, ZTA didn’t begin to officially charter them until 1927. So, a chapter’s founding date may be years before their official chartering date. Here is an example of a receipt from the Dallas, TX Alumnae Chapter for its early charter (behind), and one of the first alumnae charters, issued to Lexington, KY Alumnae Chapter in March 1927 (front). All of the earliest charters from 1927 and 1928 were handwritten by the second Grand President Bruce Houston Davis, who had returned to Grand Chapter as Vice President.
PICNI-KOOK
In 1948, The Detroit, MI Alumnae Chapter, along with alumnae from Alpha Gamma Chapter (University of Michigan), staffed a booth at the Detroit Flower Show, where they presented the “Picni-Kook” outdoor grill to over 100,000 visitors. Money raised from those sales helped support Alpha Gamma Chapter.
INCREASED FOCUS ON FUNDRAISERS
After World War II, alumnae chapters started having more elaborate fundraisers to benefit their communities and ZTA’s national philanthropies. The Los Angeles, CA Alumnae Chapter was famous for hosting an annual fair at an alumna’s house, which is now a historic landmark called La Casa de las Campanas.
PARTNERING WITH EASTERSEALS
In the 1950s and 1960s, alumnae focused on supplying needed items for our national philanthropic partner, Easterseals. Chapters often worked directly with children with cerebral palsy, like these alumnae from Amarillo, TX in 1967 (left, top). The San Diego, CA Alumnae Chapter provided wheelchairs to a local hospital in 1968 (left, bottom). Other California alumnae chapters raised money to provide schools and hospitals with self-help clothing manuals for children with cerebral palsy. ZTA provided these manuals to over 50 countries that had been affected by WWII and the Korean War.
EASTERSEALS CONVENTION
At the 1968 Easterseals convention, alumnae spoke about ZTA’s almost 20-year commitment to providing resources to Easterseals. This philanthropic project, which began after WWII, was the start of alumnae chapters raising money to go toward causes rather than to benefit collegiate chapters.
SpotlightVolunteer
Carol Zielke Sloan
Tau, Millikin University
Ritual Advisor for Eta Phi Chapter, Illinois State University
THIS or THAT
COFFEE OR TEA
TURQUOISE OR GRAY BEACH OR MOUNTAINS
CALL OR TEXT
TEACHING OR LEARNING
NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD
STRAWBERRY OR WHITE VIOLET
INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT
MOVIE OR TV SERIES
DIGITAL REMINDERS OR POST-IT NOTES
ROMANTIC COMEDY OR ACTION MOVIE
NEAT DESK OR MESSY DESK
NATIONAL PARK OR MAJOR CITY
SHORT TERM OR LONG TERM
AUDIOBOOK OR PHYSICAL BOOK
[1] CAROL (TEACHING): Education was my major in college. I taught for a few years after graduation, but my husband’s career caused us to relocate a lot, and it was too difficult to teach. During the last eight years of my lifetime career with Walmart, I taught classes for new managers, combining my retail experience with my teaching background. I enjoyed teaching adults.
JULIANNA (LEARNING): I learn by doing! I like to watch someone do something a couple of times, then try it myself. I prefer a YouTube video or someone walking me through something over reading an instruction manual.
[2] CAROL (INTROVERT, BUT MOST THINK I’M AN EXTROVERT): I truly am an introvert, preferring to spend time alone or quietly sitting and observing others around me. I am, however, able to tap into my extrovert side when the
Julianna Salyer
Gamma Zeta
Mississippi State University
Collegiate Recruitment Specialist and Recruitment Advisor for Gamma Zeta Chapter
situation arises. If something needs to be done and no one is stepping up to take the lead, I don’t hesitate to take on the challenge and become the leader.
JULIANNA (INTROVERTED EXTROVERT!): I absolutely love being around people–most of the time! I manage a retail store, so I am surrounded by people all day, causing me to always be “on.” I thrive on adrenaline and a busy environment, but the second I am removed from that, I need to recharge.
[3] CAROL (PARK): My very favorite is the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, especially April thru early July when the vibrant greens are at their brightest after all the winter rain.
JULIANNA (CITY): My favorite city is Charleston, SC. The food is delicious, I love being on the water, and the downtown area is so cute!
JULIANNA AND KATIE WILKES DRAKE (ETA LAMBDA, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON) BOTH SUPPORT GAMMA ZETA CHAPTER.
CAROL WITH SEVERAL GENERATIONS OF HER TAU CHAPTER FAMILY.
By Ellie Crawford, Managing Editor
Whether you’ve just graduated from college or you’re years into your alumnae journey, it’s never too late (or too early) to reconnect with Zeta Tau Alpha. You probably heard from your early days in ZTA that Zeta Is Forever, but are you making the most of your lifelong membership? Being a Zeta means a network of sisters across the country will always have your back; you just have to connect with them! Just like when you were in college, you’ll continue to get out of ZTA what you put into it. Try these nine tips for engaging with ZTA as an alumna.
ZTA IS Calling
1Reframe how you think and talk about ZTA. You ARE a Zeta (and always will be!). The lessons you’ve learned in ZTA so far will stay with you as you take on new jobs, move to new cities,
by donating them to a collegiate chapter. Something taking up room in your closet may become a collegian’s world! Wear a ZTA hat around town. in your office. Put a ZTA sticker on your water bottle or laptop. Keep a promote breast cancer education and know who will see your ZTA pride and
you can pay National Alumnae Dues to support the Fraternity and stay involved. You can advise collegians. You can donate to the ZTA Foundation. However you choose to give your time, talents, and treasures to ZTA, it’s valuable.
Stay Connected
If life is too busy to commit to an ongoing position within your alumnae chapter or local collegiate chapter, think smaller. Volunteer to run the check-in table at a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk. Help collegians practice conversations for Primary Recruitment by acting as a potential new member. Offer your home or apartment’s clubhouse for the alumnae chapter’s book club meeting. Provide feedback on chapter events so officers can improve the calendar next year. And when you’re ready to take on a bigger role, don’t be afraid speak up!
AMPLIFYING SORORITY
Alumnae & Donor Engagement Survey
By Ashley Sherman, Chief Communications Officer
In partnership with the National Panhellenic Conference, the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence’s Amplifying Sorority Campaign continues to equip organizations with research to better understand the collegiate experience. In the latest installment of this campaign, the focus turned to what happens after graduation.
The Alumnae & Donor Engagement Survey, conducted in partnership with Cygnus Applied Research, was one of the largest research efforts ever undertaken for the fraternity/ sorority community and was the fourth iteration of the study, building on previous research from 2011, 2015, and 2020.
In 2025, nearly 39,000 alumnae and donors from 20 NPC organizations participated, offering invaluable insight into how women experience sorority beyond college and what inspires them to stay connected.
The goal was clear: understand attitudes, expectations, and barriers to strengthen affinity and engagement across the alumnae journey for sororities.
While not specific to Zeta Tau Alpha, the data is relevant across the larger sorority experience—and the results are both affirming and challenging. Most importantly, they are filled with opportunity.
WE
CAN’T INSPIRE THEM IF WE CAN’T REACH THEM.
Good news! More than 80% of alumnae want to hear from their organization. Only a very small percentage prefer no communication at all. Across generations, email remains the preferred method of communication, with about half of respondents also expressing interest in receiving mail. While younger graduates show slightly more interest in text messaging and social media, age alone is not a strong predictor of communication preferences.
An organization’s ability to reach alumnae is only as strong as its data. For some groups, nearly one-third of email addresses on file were invalid or bounced. Data governance is not glamorous, but it is foundational. Clean, accurate data is the first step toward meaningful engagement.
CONNECTION IS THE HEARTBEAT OF SORORITY.
If there is one theme that runs through the data, it is that women want connection, especially with other sisters.
Overall, connection to sorority has slightly increased since 2020, reversing a previous decline. Notably, connection appears to be established early in the membership experience and remains relatively stable over time. That reality makes the collegiate years even more critical.
Events are also powerful drivers of connection. Large national gatherings such as Convention create meaningful increases in affinity, but so do smaller, local opportunities. Simply put, in-person moments matter.
Two primary barriers to connection emerged: distance from one’s collegiate chapter and engagement centered solely on fundraising. Additionally, members are most interested in updates about their chapters and fellow alumnae. However, those are the areas where organizations report the least effective communication.
With lifetime membership, we must ensure that connection is not assumed. It must be nurtured intentionally and consistently.
MEMBERS WANT OPTIONS, NOT OBLIGATIONS.
The idea of “duty” does not resonate the way it once did, particularly with Gen Z alumnae (under age 30). Younger members report less pride in their sorority overall, yet they express a strong sense of responsibility toward supporting their sisters. That distinction matters. There is no one-size-fits-all engagement model. Some alumnae are eager to volunteer in traditional roles. Others may prefer event participation, mentorship, publication readership, or digital engagement. Publications continue
The Keys to Alumnae Engagement
ENGAGE
to perform well, with readership up since 2020, suggesting that thoughtful storytelling still resonates.
Gen Z alumnae indicate they are willing to attend events, but they want fresh, creative formats. Casual meetups, professional networking, life-stage gatherings, and purposedriven experiences may offer new pathways for engagement.
If something is working, we should keep doing it. If it isn’t, we must be willing to redirect resources toward what better serves our members today.
OUR CASE FOR ENGAGEMENT NEEDS CLARITY.
Alumnae overwhelmingly believe in the importance of programming that supports collegians. Recent graduates especially recognize the value of these initiatives. Yet awareness of specific programs and their impact has declined since 2015.
Nearly half of non-donors report that other charitable causes take priority. At the same time, we know that the average donor supports multiple organizations. The question is—are we clearly articulating why sororities deserve a place among them?
When it comes to volunteering, the opportunity is even more apparent.
Turn to page 20 to see how ZTA alumnae are staying engaged!
CONNECT GIVE OPTIONS CLARIFY
More than one in five non-volunteers say they are likely to volunteer within the next year, and nearly 40% remain undecided. With targeted messaging and compelling invitations, many of these women could become active contributors to their sisterhood.
One particularly powerful insight emerges when this survey is paired with the Second- through Fourth-Year Member Retention Study. Collegians say they most desire career mentoring, graduate school preparation, and professional development. Alumnae rank academic achievement support, leadership training, and life skills programming as the most important initiatives to fund.
The overlap is significant.
When a connection is made between what collegians are seeking and what alumnae value, we create a bridge between generations. That bridge strengthens affinity and often inspires giving and service.
THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR: CONNECTION CANNOT BE PASSIVE.
We must begin cultivating alumnae identity earlier, well before graduation. Connection is established early and remains relatively
consistent, and investing in that sense of belonging during the collegiate years may be one of ZTA’s most strategic moves.
We also must recognize that engagement looks different at every stage of life. A young professional, a mother of three, a retiree, and a former National Officer may all love their sorority deeply, and they may need different entry points to stay involved.
In-person gatherings, digital storytelling, volunteer pathways, mentoring networks, and philanthropic impact reports all play a role. Our responsibility is to offer multiple doors and clearly explain why it’s important to walk through them.
This research, funded through the Amplifying Sorority Campaign, is not simply a collection of statistics. It is a roadmap. It challenges us to strengthen our data, refine our message, and be more intentional in creating connections.
Sorority has always been about friendship, purpose, and belonging. The alumnae experience is no exception. When we invest in communication, clarity, and meaningful opportunities, we aren’t just maintaining membership, we are intensifying it!
I GiveWhy
By Shannon Ferguson, Secretary-Treasurer
Zeta Tau Alpha has been a large part of my life since I joined Alpha Psi Chapter (University of Missouri) when I was 18 years old, so choosing to join the Heritage Society and leave a legacy in our sisterhood felt like a natural choice for me.
I developed my leadership skills as chapter President, guided by advisors, Leadership Consultants, and National Officers, and as my chapter’s Official Delegate at Convention 2006. I also received a scholarship from the ZTA Foundation that supported my educational goals.
“Zeta Tau Alpha has been investing in me since the day I joined.”
As a young alumna, I attended Advisor Academy to learn how to support Alpha Psi Chapter as a General Advisor, and I still remember attending my first National Leadership Conference. Zeta Tau Alpha has been investing in me since the day I joined.
Now, I’m fortunate to be part of the team developing these training programs, and I get to see our collegiate leaders grow in their own leadership journeys each year. While they learn about the aspects of their officer roles and how to lead their chapters, they also learn
lifelong leadership skills— communication, teamwork, critical thinking—that will shape who they become as leaders in college and beyond.
Up to this point in my life, leadership has been an easy choice because it was fundamental to me as a collegian and continues to be in my alumnae life. It truly is at the core of the ZTA journey.
As a higher education professional, I also care deeply about our members’ education, and I want to help Zetas pursue their educational goals at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through scholarships.
I support these programs each year as a ZTA Foundation donor. When the opportunity to join the Heritage Society was advertised in 2024, it got me thinking about the future and how I wanted to make a lasting impact within ZTA.
As a member of the Heritage Society, I know my gift will continue to provide scholarships and leadership opportunities that will help Zetas achieve their goals for years to come. And that is truly a legacy I can be proud of.
(MIDDLE) SHANNON CELEBRATED THE SPECIAL INITIATION OF HER MOTHER (TO HER RIGHT) WITH ALPHA PSI’S FORMER AND CURRENT HOUSE DIRECTORS. (BOTTOM) SHANNON AND NATIONAL PRESIDENT
DINAH JACKSON LAUGHERY POSED WITH MIZZOU’S MASCOT, TRUMAN THE TIGER, AT ALPHA PSI’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Fraternity Business
Convention is our chance to dive into the business that keeps our Fraternity going strong. During the business meetings, delegates hear the State of the Fraternity, vote on proposed changes to the Constitution & Bylaws of Zeta Tau Alpha, and elect National Council. The business meetings are when our voices, our votes, and our shared vision shape the future of the Fraternity; it’s pretty amazing to be a part of that.
Keeley McDonald
Former National President (2010-2014)
3
Traditions / Ritual
No matter when or where you were initiated, you will experience the feelings you felt at your own Initiation, but with sisters from across the country by your side! The quiet is comforting, and you get the opportunity to just “be” and realign your values with those our Founders set so long ago.
Malaea Nelms Seleski
Eta Rho, The University of North Alabama
1
Recognition / Awards
Having had the honor of receiving an individual award, celebrating multiple chapter Silver Awards, and cheering on sisters as they crossed the stage, I can confidently say there is nothing like the energy in the room when a chapter or individual is recognized for their hard work at Convention. It’s a chance to celebrate excellence, be inspired by what’s possible, and leave feeling proud to be part of something so much bigger than yourself.
Alyssa Baker Godwin
Eta Tau, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
REASONS TO COME TO CONVENTION
5
Building Relationships
4
Learning
Convention is one of the rare times when collegians and alumnae from all over come together, bringing different life stages, campuses, careers, and experiences to the table. Learning from sisters with diverse backgrounds broadens perspective, strengthens leadership, and reminds us that our Ritual and values connect us beyond our own chapter walls. There is an opportunity to have conversations about best practices and challenges. It’s a beautiful
Attending Convention is the ultimate girls’ trip! We get to see treasured sisters from all over Zetaland in one place for a few precious days. It’s a weekend full of catching up, putting faces with names, sharing old stories, and making new friends.
Megan Latchford Morgan Kappa Sigma, University of South Florida
2025 CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RECIPIENTS
The alumnae Certificate of Merit is a national award presented at a Zeta Day or other special event. To receive this honor, members must have a minimum of seven years of significant post-collegiate service to ZTA. Alumnae chapters may submit the names and qualifications of alumnae to their Alumnae National Officer by Oct. 1. National Council considers each recommendation and awards certificates to those who receive unanimous approval.
Congratulations to the following 100 dedicated Zetas, listed alphabetically by collegiate chapter, who received their Certificates of Merit in 2025.
Robin Merryman Kelty, Alpha Chi University of Kentucky
Emily Fogelsonger Godbold, Alpha Gamma University of Michigan
Dawn Kimple Williamson, Alpha Kappa University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Mechel McKinley-Hoffman, Alpha Nu Birmingham-Southern College
Taryn Smith, Alpha Omicron The University of Iowa
Dr. Rachelle J. Douglass, Alpha Psi University of Missouri
Brittany Means Wills, Alpha Psi University of Missouri
Sarah Johnston, Alpha Upsilon Oklahoma State University
Kathy Dixon, Beta Epsilon University of California, Los Angeles
Kristin Decker Huddleston, Beta Lambda University of Louisville
Stace Sievert, Beta Nu New Mexico State University
Brittany Weeks, Beta Nu New Mexico State University
Stefanie Elliott, Beta Psi
Stetson University
Nicole Wohn Fiske, Beta Psi
Stetson University
Ellen Nettles Frogner, Beta Psi
Stetson University
Kristen Favia Klein, Beta Theta Franklin College
Ashton Archer, Beta Upsilon
Kansas State University
Debbie Owen Thompson, Beta Zeta
Iowa State University
Maggie Ross Briggs, Delta Beta Florida Southern College
Maggie Sutton Merryday, Delta Beta Florida Southern College
Emily Paladino Nolette, Delta Beta Florida Southern College
Brandi Good Roberts, Delta Beta Florida Southern College
Becky Kendall McAdoo, Delta Eta
West Texas A&M University
Shannon West, Delta Gamma High Point University
Dottie Morales Richard, Delta Kappa
Louisiana State University
Melissa Davis, Delta Lambda
Georgia State University
Abby Wiseman Klinetop, Delta Lambda
Georgia State University
Rima Block DuVall, Delta Mu
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Rhonda Eckard Guy, Delta Omicron
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Colleen O’Reilly Hann, Delta Upsilon
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Jillian Ginn Stewart, Delta Zeta
Sam Houston State University
Melissa Terry Perez, Epsilon University of Arkansas
Dawn Kuropkat Dent, Eta Epsilon
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Ashley White Rice, Eta Mu
Augusta University
Kaley Buchman Dale, Eta Phi
Illinois State University
Kayla Kaczmarek Gibeault, Eta Phi
Illinois State University
Angela Bettis Try, Eta Phi
Illinois State University
Nancy Christolear, Eta Pi
Wright State University
Elise Adkins Hendricks, Eta Rho
The University of North Alabama
Whitney Hargett McGill, Eta Rho
The University of North Alabama
Shelley Musso Jones, Eta Tau
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Erica Ronchetto, Eta Theta
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Kelsey Little, Eta Upsilon
Missouri Southern State University
Kayla Hoffman Pekarek, Eta Upsilon
Missouri Southern State University
Katie Massey, Eta Xi
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Marcia Walck, Eta Xi
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Susy Alvarez-Diaz, Gamma Alpha University of Miami
Emi Alvarez Rodriguez, Gamma Alpha University of Miami
Bridget Smith Desaulniers, Gamma Beta
Washington College
Brooke Loyd Thomas, Gamma Delta University of Mississippi
Diana Bruce, Gamma Gamma The University of Texas at El Paso
Lyla Bryan King, Gamma Iota University of Florida
Kristen Minnick Korepanov, Gamma Iota University of Florida
Charmaine Sharkey, Gamma Iota University of Florida
Linda Custard Gillikin, Gamma Nu University of Virginia
Taylor Lawson, Gamma Phi
University of North Texas
Mimi Bowen Gaines, Gamma Pi
University of Georgia
Bobbi Lenny Vitale, Gamma Pi University of Georgia
Mary Starr Kelley, Gamma Rho
Auburn University
Jamie Rome Smith, Gamma Rho Auburn University
Jeannie Pitts Mayo, Gamma Tau Texas Tech University
Deborah Ferrell-Lynn, Gamma Upsilon University of Oklahoma
Stephanie Dallas Wenzel, Gamma Zeta Mississippi State University
Nikki Raynor, Iota Eta University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Trish Seibel DeVore, Iota Iota Fairleigh Dickinson University
Mary Ellen Arcidiacono Raiti, Iota Iota Fairleigh Dickinson University
Leigh Ann Levandoski, Iota Nu Susquehanna University
Lynn Castaldo Pipitone, Iota Nu Susquehanna University
Jessica Shupik, Iota Omega University of Maryland
2025 WHITE VIOLETS
Collette Rountree Karr, Kappa The University of Texas at Austin
Logan Lowery Loggins, Kappa Beta Presbyterian College
Cheryl Northness, Kappa Gamma West Virginia University
Lauren Sherrard, Kappa Mu Linfield University
Michelle Gage Bascetta, Kappa Omicron Merrimack College
Veronica Read Jackson, Kappa Sigma University of South Florida
Stefanie Retallic Mitchell, Kappa Sigma University of South Florida
SueAnn Thomas, Kappa Sigma University of South Florida
Kimberly L. Burton, Kappa Theta California State University, San Bernardino
Beth Butler, Lambda Southwestern University
Andrea Bishop, Mu Drury University
Molly Boyd, Mu Drury University
Debbie Wadlow Freeman, Mu Drury University
Stephanie Mitchell Melhorn, Psi University of Washington
Jaci Kettler, Sigma Baker University
Jessica Nelson Miller, Theta Alpha California State University, Chico
Sherri Reise Phelan, Theta Alpha California State University, Chico
Alison Eppinger Terrill, Theta Alpha California State University, Chico
Kathy Kearney Woods, Theta Epsilon University of San Diego
Susan Mitchell Tabb, Theta Eta
Stephen F. Austin State University
Heather Ranes, Theta Iota University of North Florida
Rachel Wyatt, Theta Sigma Winthrop University
Heather Sisk Gray, Zeta Alpha University of Evansville
Dawn L. Brower-Smith, Zeta Beta
Thiel College
Elyse Gessler, Zeta Gamma Youngstown State University
Melissa Sobnosky, Zeta Gamma Youngstown State University
Mary Unger Doyle, Zeta Nu Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Dana Burdyshaw Kennedy, Zeta Omicron
Arkansas State University
Christy Gaines Lewis, Zeta Psi
Jacksonville State University
Susie Pederson Connor, Zeta Rho Morehead State University
Melanie Podzielinski Melancon, Zeta Sigma
The University of Texas at Arlington
A White Violet is a Zeta Tau Alpha who has been a member of the Fraternity for 50 years. In 2025, ZTA honored 390 members with the Order of the Shield Recognition Service at a Zeta Day or other special event. These women received a White Violet pin and certificate from the Fraternity in recognition of their continuous dedication to friendship and sisterhood.
Members who reach the 75-year membership milestone receive a White Violet charm as a gift from the Fraternity. Congratulations to these 22 sisters, listed alphabetically by collegiate chapter, who celebrated 75 years as Zeta Tau Alphas in 2025.
Anita Shreve Foote, Alpha Omega Ohio Wesleyan University
Mrs. Richard T. Myers, Alpha Phi
Northwestern University
Beverly Jones Payne, Alpha Phi Northwestern University
Pamela Isaacson Morse, Alpha Tau University of Minnesota
Gwen Kerns Piersall, Alpha Upsilon
Oklahoma State University
Jayne Maglaris Manis, Alpha Xi
Indiana University
Alice Jackson Harbin, Beta Gamma
Florida State University
Lois Ungren Loetz, Beta Phi Michigan State University
Paula Miles Scott-Lynch, Gamma Gamma
The University of Texas at El Paso
Shirley Kodrich Sinclair, Gamma Kappa
James Madison University
Mrs. William Larrabure, Gamma Mu University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bev Poole Bennett, Gamma Pi University of Georgia
Frances Hazen Binns, Gamma Pi University of Georgia
Alice Brown Watkins, Gamma Pi University of Georgia
Elly Hewitt Fithian, Gamma Theta University of Colorado of Boulder
Virginia Barfield Perkins, Gamma Zeta
Mississippi State University
Margery White Graves, Mu Drury University
Jini Spain Hornung, Omega Southern Methodist University
Lois Wilson Constantine, Psi University of Washington
Elta T. Cooke, Tau Millikin University
Lucille Stewart Stromme, Xi University of Southern California
Nancy Anderson Wagnon, Zeta Kappa Louisiana Tech University
SPARKING Inspiration
By Ellie Crawford, Managing Editor, and
Hannah Rowe, Director
With 225 alumnae chapters across the country (and online!), there are countless ways to create an engaging and enriching membership program for alumnae, but even the strongest chapters can get in a rut. Luckily, in Zeta Tau Alpha, we can lean on our sisters for ideas and inspiration.
SPARKING Inspiration
Officers from four chapters—Albuquerque, NM; Greater New Orleans, LA; HickoryMorganton, NC; and Knoxville, TN—shared their best tips and tricks for maximizing the alumnae chapter experience in the areas of event planning, Crown Connections, recruitment, and alumnae-collegiate relations. Maybe something here will spark an idea for your chapter.
Alumnae Engagement
PLANNING EVENTS THAT Work
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning programs. Two officers from the Albuquerque, NM Chapter explained how they got their events off the ground and why they worked.
MEGAN ERLANDSON MAULDIN
Delta Pi, Eastern New Mexico University Website/Technology Chair
Craft & Create (below) started with a simple idea. “We have quite a few officers who enjoy crafting,” Megan said. “We’d been toying with the idea of a monthly craft club. I wasn’t ready to commit to monthly, but I was open to doing one and seeing how it went.”
Megan hosted the event at her house before the winter holidays so people could create gifts and cards. “I have a ton of craft stuff, so I just set things out to share and invited people to bring their own supplies.”
Add in some refreshments, and you’ve got a party! “We budgeted for snacks and drinks, so people didn’t have to bring anything,” Megan said. “And it was come-and-go; very low pressure.”
Megan also let sisters know what to expect. “We have older members who don’t like to drive at night, so this event was in the afternoon. I let everyone know we’d be done by 4 p.m. so they could drive home while it was still light outside.”
Why did this event work? “Honestly, it was so simple,” Megan said. “I had the space and supplies, so it was easy for me to host.” Megan has found that coming up with ideas for events can also be simple. “Whatever you like to do, someone else will too.”
TRACY HARBAUGH DRAGER
Delta Pi, Eastern New Mexico University VP Programming
On the opposite side of the spectrum from the low-key crafting program, the alumnae chapter has been hosting a collegian/ mother event (above) for decades. “I attended as a collegian in the late 90s,” Tracy said.
Each fall, Tracy works with International Office to get a list of collegians who have a home address within driving distance of Albuquerque,
and she sends invitations to their mothers. “Parents often don’t know what sorority life is, unless they did it themselves. So, we invite the mothers to come with their daughters to see what ZTA is all about.”
The event takes place at Tracy’s mother’s house during winter break, when collegians are home from school. “Getting collegians from different chapters together is fabulous, and their moms get to experience the fun.”
The format of the event changes from year to year, ranging from brunches to dinners, and chapter members pitch in to supply food that fits the theme.
During the two-hour event, attendees use bingo cards to mingle and get to know one another. Collegians learn what the alumnae chapter is like, and the moms bond!
According to Tracy, this event works for two reasons. “It doesn’t depend on high participation from the alumnae,” she said. “If only a few alumnae can make it, that emphasizes that nothing in the alumnae world is mandatory!”
The event also allows the chapter to interact with collegians. “We don’t have a collegiate chapter nearby, so this event is our chance to be part of collegians’ lives.”
For both events, Megan and Tracy found the same thing to be true: focus on sisterhood, and the rest will fall into place!
When it comes to Crown Connections, the Greater New Orleans, LA Chapter is all about giving the people what they want. “If you’re not listening to the needs of your members, you’re not going to be successful,” Janna said. “We used to divide things up by age, but people didn’t like that. So, we decided to build these Crown Connections on interest because we want everybody to get to know one another.” Each group has a chair to plan events and keep ideas fresh. (Bonus: This creates a great pipeline for future leaders of the chapter!)
JANNA L. PECQUET
Delta Nu, The University of New Orleans VP Programming and VP Membership
WHICH CROWN CONNECTIONS GROUP
SHOULD You JOIN
Do you want to move your body or feed your belly?
It's Saturday. Are you spending the morning at the gym or dancing the night away?
Active Zetas
This group is all about physical and mental wellness. Active Zetas love to try new fitness classes (Pilates, anyone?), rent bikes to ride around a park, and even exercise their brains with trivia nights.
Girls Night Out
Whether it’s grabbing dinner at a new restaurant or dancing to live music, these sisters know how to have a fun girls’ night.
You're getting together with your alumnae sisters. Do you want to be out and about or at someone’s house?
Breakfast Club
You’ll find the Breakfast Club trying a new brunch spot on a Saturday morning. Meeting on the weekend makes this group more accessible to Zetas in all stages of life.
Are you looking for intellectual stimulation or to flex your creative muscles?
Creative Crowns
These crafty sisters love expressing their creativity! They paint pumpkins for Halloween, pour candles together, and attend workshops like hat burning.
Book Club
These Zetas keep things fun with themed meetings and creative ways to pick their next read, like pulling titles from a hat (thanks for the inspiration, Instagram!).
MOVE
Recruiting HOW TO GET CREATIVE WITH
1
USE YOUR RESOURCES
Each summer, alumnae officers work with the university’s Director of Alumni Engagement to set up a Delta Omicron reunion as part of the homecoming festivities. “When the university starts advertising the weekend, we are already on the list of events,” Cigi said. The university also sends alumnae an email, which may reach people who have updated their contact info with the university but not in Sisters Only. “We post the information in our Facebook group, and our VP Communication sends a newsletter to our potential membership roster as well.”
2
MAKE IT FUN
This year, a member brought crowns for alumnae to wear throughout the weekend. “We were walking around wearing our little tiaras, so it was easy to recognize other Zetas,” Cigi said. “We thought that was really fun!” Having an identifier made it easier for more seasoned alumnae to reconnect with sisters they hadn’t seen in years.
Seven years ago, when Cigi Sparks (Delta Omicron, Lenoir-Rhyne University) became President of Hickory-Morganton, NC Chapter, it had 18 dues-paying members. Today, the chapter has 35 members. Cigi shared that reconnecting with collegiate chapter sisters, rather than only reaching out to those in their area, boosted membership and expanded their sisterhood.
For the past three years, the alumnae chapter has hosted a recruitment event at nearby Lenoir-Rhyne University during homecoming weekend. Here’s how they turn a reunion into an opportunity.
3
MAKE IT INFORMATIVE
At the event, members focus on reminding sisters what ZTA is all about and sharing information about the alumnae chapter. “We have a QR code that links to our membership interest form and printouts of our Executive Council and calendar.” They also invite attendees to join the chapter’s Facebook group to engage virtually.
4
CAST A BIGGER NET
If your alumnae chapter doesn’t have a university with a ZTA chapter nearby, you can still leverage your resources to connect to sisters in other areas.
If your members come from five different collegiate chapters, that’s five networks worth exploring. You may discover a sister in another city who is looking for a way to get involved again!
Cigi’s chapter has had great success engaging alumnae virtually. “We incorporate ways for people to get involved on social media,” she said. “We’re working on a ZTA cookbook. People don’t have to come to events to submit a recipe.”
The chapter also gives people ways to support the local collegiate chapter from afar, such as sponsoring T-shirts for collegians who can’t afford them or providing a meal for a chapter meeting. “People may not be here, but they want to feel sisterly love from wherever they are.”
BRINGING ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIANS
TOGETHER
HOW DID YOU PLAN THE ALUMNAE-COLLEGIATE NETWORKING BREAKFAST?
Delaney: Our Alumnae-Collegiate Relations Chair looked at what our sisters were looking for from our alumnae relationships. We thought a career-focused networking breakfast would be beneficial, and she worked with Logan and the Knoxville, TN Chapter to set it up. We hosted it at the ZTA house and supplied donuts and coffee for everyone to enjoy. We also had a sister take professional headshots at the event.
HOW DID YOU WORK TOGETHER TO PLAN THE EVENT?
Q
Logan: Because I am the chapter’s General Advisor, I was privy to the information as the collegians were developing the idea. They ran it through the Programming Advisor, and she and I talked through logistics. Collegians may think, “Oh, we can do it in two weeks,” but we suggested they give alumnae a bit more notice. Beyond that, the collegians had free rein to plan everything else.
Delaney: We polled the alumnae about a few dates that worked for us. We have to register our events with the university, so we had to start early enough to allow the alumnae time to respond and RSVP.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE YOUR MEMBERS FOR THE EVENT?
Logan: Many of our alumnae members had never been to the ZTA house at UT, so they were excited
DELANEY BURRELL
Zeta, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Former VP Programming
about visiting! We made an event within our chapter’s Facebook group so people could sign up and get information about parking on campus and getting to the house.
Delaney: We announced the event at our chapter meeting each week and included it in our monthly alumnae newsletter. Our VP Academic Achievement also promoted it as a professional development opportunity. We talked to sisters about dressing appropriately for headshots and coming prepared with questions for alumnae about their careers or life after graduation.
HOW DID IT GO? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE FUTURE?
&
Delaney: It went well! It was really beneficial for our sisters to talk to women who don’t have any bias other than our best interest at heart about their careers. We got their true opinions and learned what their careers are like. We also enjoyed hearing how they stay connected to ZTA and what we can expect after graduation. In the future, it would be nice to highlight the alumnae who are attending, so our collegiate sisters with those specific career interests could plan to be there.
Logan: The alumnae who attended thoroughly enjoyed talking to the collegians. They also took advantage of the photographer for updating their headshots!
LOGAN GRAVITT MASSEY
Lambda Eta, Virginia Commonwealth University Knoxville, TN Chapter President General Advisor for Zeta Chapter
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS HOPING TO CONNECT?
Logan: Build those relationships early and more frequently. Even if it’s a small touchpoint, like alumnae sitting in on Initiation, the collegians will get to know their faces and see that they’re engaged. That leads to conversations about what the collegians want to do after college, and then we can connect them to alumnae who have taken similar paths. Those conversations can spark an idea for an event because you realize that other people probably need that information as well.
A
Delaney: Zeta Chapter has a spreadsheet of networking contacts. When I changed my major, I found an alumna I could talk to. Often, when talking with professionals, there is pressure to impress them, and you might not want to ask direct questions. The alumna I reached out to gave me a rundown of the path she took and advice she had. I still stay in touch with her.
Logan: Alumnae enjoy the social aspect. We enjoy reminiscing about collegiate life and hearing how things are going. Showing alumnae how we can help the collegians just by showing up and having a conversation is beneficial.
CHAPTER ROOMS AND LODGES PROVIDE SPACE FOR CREATING MEMORIES
By Christy Marx Barber, Contributing Writer
The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation strives to provide each chapter with a comfortable and competitive facility. For 35 chapters, that facility is a chapter room or lodge. Members of three chapters shared how these spaces create timeless memories.
Kappa Zeta Chapter
Clemson University
Chapter President Hannah Hayburn and Judicial Chair Paige Cobain call their chapter room “the perfect place to decompress between classes or meetings, because you will always find a sister there to keep you company.”
The chapter room is constantly in use. Members can cook, watch a movie, do homework, or study together. Last year, Hannah lived in the residence hall where the chapter room is located. “Someone was always stopping by. The room truly functions as a shared space where members come throughout the day,” she said. This year, Hannah lives off campus, and the chapter room has become her go-to place to catch up on work or relax during the day.
The Kappa Zeta sisters use the chapter room to host sisterhood activities—such as craft nights, Bible studies, wellness events, and movie nights—and Executive and Program Council meetings. It is a meaningful place for sisterhood and connection. The members love having a space for
planned events, but their strongest memories come from spontaneous moments, like grabbing ice cream and sitting on the couch to watch reality TV while talking for hours. “Nothing about it is elaborate,” Hannah said, “but those simple moments bring us closer to each other and make the chapter room truly feel special.”
Delta Mu Chapter
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Chapter President Piper Johnson and Vice President Programming Jada Winka believe having a lodge (a freestanding, non-residential facility) enhances their chapter’s sense of community.
“Our lodge is a gathering place that increases involvement and fosters a stronger sense of belonging,” Piper said. “We can come together easily for meetings, and that creates an environment where sisterhood, leadership, and shared values thrive.”
“Having a space on campus gives every sister a second home,” Jada said. “When I first came to college, I knew no one; the ZTA facility made me feel like I was home.”
Kappa Zeta sisters painted glass tumblers in their chapter room.
The chapter room is a great place for Kappa Zeta members to gather before events.
Recruitment is one of the most important activities in the lodge. “Recruitment practices are one of our sweetest memories,” Piper said. “The laughter in the common areas, the support during stressful times, and the shared traditions create memories we will always carry with us.”
The lodge also provides academic support. Sisters with the same major meet there to study. Others use it to complete their study hours or keep each other accountable academically. “It’s one of my personal favorite places to study during finals week,” Jada said.
Both officers agree that everyday moments like late-night talks, movie nights, and celebrating Bid Days, birthdays, and chapter achievements create the best memories. “Love fills our space here at Delta Mu,” Piper said, “because it really is the greatest of all things.”
Eta Beta Chapter Duquesne University
Having a chapter room on campus gives Eta Beta sisters more opportunities to bond. “Whether you need someone to talk to, get advice from, or just go grab a meal with, your sisters are always just a knock away,” said roommates Brynn Seaman and VP Learning & Development Alexa Hobson. “With the unlimited support and encouragement these ladies provide, anything seems achievable.”
As the largest chapter on campus, Eta Beta appreciates a space to meet for the business it needs to accomplish. “Having our own space to discuss and plan benefits our chapter as a whole,” said Brynn. “We can move seamlessly through the year to ensure we have a fun schedule.”
The chapter room is also a great place to have quiet, on-campus study sessions. “We spend a lot of time studying together since many women
in our chapter share majors,” Brynn said. “Having our sisters by our side truly bonds us.”
The chapter also uses the space for Program Council and new member meetings, but the members’ favorite memories of the chapter room are the bonding moments that make it feel like home. Sisterhood activities like bracelet making and movie nights are favorites for Eta Beta, Brynn said. “Having a room designated for our sisterhood allows us to feel comfortable and be our true selves.”
The chapter lodge is the perfect backdrop for Delta Mu events.
Delta Mu sisters love to hang out and relax in the chapter lodge between classes.
Delta Mu members use the lodge during Recruitment.
The chapter room provides space for Eta Beta members to enjoy sisterhood.
The Eta Beta chapter room is full of special ZTA touches.
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BREAKING DOWN RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIPS
WHAT IS A RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIP?
Recognition Scholarships are a one-time scholarship that must be funded between Aug. 1 and May 1 of one fiscal year.
• Recognition Scholarships are fully funded with a total donation of $2,000. Once fully funded, the ZTA Foundation will match $500, creating a minimum scholarship of $2,500
• These scholarships can be funded by an individual, group, or chapter.
• More than $2,000 can be donated for a larger scholarship. The Foundation will still match $500.
SPONSORING A SCHOLARSHIP:
• Choose the scholarship name. Many are named for a chapter, donor, or in honor/memory of a special sister.
• Choose how the scholarship is designated. Note: The scholarship must be awarded that year, so if no one meets the requirements, the Scholarship Distribution Committee will select an applicant.
• These are one-time scholarships funded for the following academic year. Scholarships that are fully funded by May 1, 2026, will be awarded in the fall of 2026.
THE DEADLINE TO FUND A RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIP IS MAY 1.
If the scholarship is not fully funded:
• If $1,000 to $1,999 is raised, it will be given as an award scholarship (without a match).
• If under $1,000 is raised, it will be put into the general scholarship fund.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS:
Be a ZTA member in good standing. Be a current sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student who will be enrolled full-time for the entire following academic year. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
BENEFITS:
• Counts toward a member’s annual and lifetime Foundation donations.
• Provides financial relief to ZTA members.
• Receive a letter from the Foundation with information about who received the scholarship.
• Receive a thank-you note from the award recipient.
• Scholarships and recipients are listed in the Foundation issue of Themis each winter and on ZTA’s website.
THE FOUNDATION AWARDED RECOGNITION
SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2025-2026.
news Collegiate
Chapter Updates
ALPHA
Longwood University
Love is blooming in this chapter! Thanks to a sponsorship from Bloom Supplements, sisters got together to try different flavors of healthy sodas, energy drinks, and supplement gummies. While sampling the goodies, members pulled the names of others in attendance and wrote them personal letters of love and sisterhood. It was a fun way to connect and catch up after the first week of classes.
BETA OMICRON
University of South Carolina
Last semester, this chapter held its semiformal at a favorite local venue. Everyone wore pink, white, and red dresses, enjoyed delicious food, danced the night away, and celebrated their sisterhood.
[1] DELTA ALPHA
California State University, Long Beach
New members from this chapter gathered for a sisterhood escape room experience designed to help them bond and get to know one another better. Working together to solve puzzles and challenges, they shared laughs, built friendships, and created lasting memories as they began their journey in ZTA.
DELTA NU
The University of New Orleans
To celebrate the end of the semester, the women of this chapter held a photo shoot around New Orleans.
ETA PHI
Illinois State University
These sisters participated in a group experience at Iron Coyote, an indoor ropes course designed to promote teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. Members worked together to navigate physical and mental challenges. They also strengthened trust and problem-solving skills. The experience encouraged members to step outside of their comfort zones while fostering unity and connection within the chapter.
GAMMA IOTA
University of Florida
This chapter held an event with the nonprofit Best Buddies International to promote friendship and inclusion within the community. Chapter members spent time connecting with their buddies through fun board games and delicious treats. The event reflected the chapter’s dedication to service, kindness, and creating bonds through inclusive engagement.
GAMMA PSI
Texas Christian University
A bingo event at the chapter house brought women together for an evening of connection, friendly competition, and meaningful conversation. Participants strengthened their relationships within ZTA while playing multiple rounds of bingo to win fun prizes.
IOTA OMEGA
University of Maryland
Nothing beats cuddly puppies and decompressing with sisters! Members from this chapter enjoyed a puppy yoga class and shed some stress before finals.
KAPPA MU
Linfield University
This chapter hosted a Rockin’ Retro informal dance. The event featured retro-themed outfits, vintage decorations, throwback music, and a photo backdrop hand-painted by a chapter member. Everyone enjoyed spending time together, laughing, and creating memories.
KAPPA OMEGA
Saint Louis University
During the recent government shutdown and reduction of SNAP benefits, food pantries across the country experienced a growing demand for nonperishable items. Sisters from this chapter worked together to hold a food drive to donate items to Observation Food Search. It was a great way to give back and help their community before Thanksgiving.
KAPPA SIGMA
University of South Florida
To prepare for the new semester, members got together to decorate planners to keep track of their
academic and ZTA responsibilities. This event promoted organizational skills and healthy habits for the new year. Sisters enjoyed catered food and catching up with one another after the winter break.
[2] LAMBDA DELTA
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
In December, these women honored three graduating sisters with a Senior Send-off during a chapter meeting. They celebrated their love and friendship with a slideshow of pictures from the past four years, cupcakes, and Shirley Temples.
[3] MU
Drury University
Members from this chapter participated in Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy event “Putting on the Lips.” They worked together to choreograph a dance routine to go with the music they chose to match the NYC theme. During the event, they cheered on other organizations to foster fraternity/sorority love.
[4] THETA
Bethany College
Sisters had a blast doing a photo shoot together after the drink company Poppi sent them ZTAbranded cans. Members wore their favorite ZTA shirts, sipped on the sodas, and celebrated being sisters.
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THETA GAMMA
Texas A&M University
Sisters who sweat together stay together! During a sisterhood HOTWORX class, members cheered each other on, spent intentional time together, and encouraged healthy habits. This shared experience strengthened bonds and reminded members that sisterhood is about showing up for one another day after day.
THETA PHI
California State University, Fullerton
This chapter hosted a CROWN event that reflected the fun and intentional spirit of ZTA sisterhood. Potential new members were invited to the chapter house to create their own “dirty sodas,” non-alcoholic, customizable drinks made with fresh lemons, limes, creamer, and a variety of flavored syrups. The relaxed event encouraged conversation and connection and gave PNMs an authentic glimpse into sorority life.
THETA PSI
Texas State University
Zetas teamed up with the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha to sponsor two Angel Tree children for the holidays. Both chapters collected donations, spread the word, and raised money to help give the kids everything on their wish lists. The service project brought members of both
organizations together and showed them how big of an impact they could have by joining forces.
[5] THETA XI
Rutgers University
Members from this chapter kicked off the spring semester with a body sculpt class at a local yoga studio. They had a great time trying something challenging, taking time for self-care, and staying active!
[6] ZETA
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
This chapter hosted a private viewing of “Wicked: For Good” at a local theater. Sisters enjoyed candy and popcorn while watching the movie together and reflecting on the friendships they’ve made.
Collegiate Leaders
OLIVIA BROWN
Lambda Upsilon, University of Wisconsin – Madison Olivia, who previously served as her chapter’s Vice President Harm Reduction, took her knowledge and leadership experience to the university’s Panhellenic Association to serve
as the VP Risk Management. She’s following in the footsteps of her ZTA Big Sister, who was the first Zeta at University of Wisconsin - Madison to serve on the Panhellenic Council.
CAMPBELL WOOD
Alpha Omicron, The University of Iowa
In addition to serving multiple terms on her chapter’s Executive Council and being named homecoming queen, Campbell has been part of Dance Marathon for four years and currently serves as its Executive Director. “I think it’s just a magical thing to watch people care for others, do something selflessly, and look after the community and people they don’t even know,” Campbell said.
Alumnae
Chapter Updates
ARIZONA
Tucson
Alumnae gathered to celebrate the winter holidays with a potluck brunch and wine auction. Attendees brought diapers to donate to a local diaper bank.
ARKANSAS
[1] Little Rock
An alumna of Epsilon Chapter (University of Arkansas) taught these sisters how to play Mahjong! The chapter invited local collegians to join and learn more about the alumnae experience.
CALIFORNIA
[2] East Bay
Members gathered at Board & Brush for a DIY workshop. Attendees created their own unique wood signs to take home. It was a fun night of sisterhood and creativity!
Sacramento
Sisters celebrated the holidays together while learning about wine with a blind tasting. They tried wines from all over the world, exchanged gifts, learned some ZTA facts, and enjoyed each other’s company during a busy season.
San Francisco and Marin Counties
Chapter members visited the de Young Museum to explore global art, from Japan’s Art of Manga to works by African and Indigenous American artists. Sisters loved viewing Leilah Babirye’s “We Have a History” exhibit and ended the day with lunch and conversation.
FLORIDA
Central Florida
Alumnae toured the Sydonie Mansion, a 41-room Mediterranean Revival estate built in 1883 with a lakeside view, lush gardens, and koi ponds. After the visit, the group went to lunch and wrote holiday cards for people living in nursing homes.
Treasure Coast
Members enjoyed dinner at a new local Italian restaurant and exchanged their favorite things of 2025. The party also doubled as a recruitment event! The chapter invited local area alumnae to join and encouraged them to make reconnecting with ZTA part of their New Year’s resolutions.
GEORGIA
Athens
Members learned about New Year’s traditions from around the world to kick off 2026. Sisters played a bingo game designed to teach them about various cultures and enjoyed dishes from multiple countries.
[3] Dekalb County
For their annual book swap, sisters brought gently used books to share and picked a few titles to take home. The remaining books were donated to the Georgia Zeta Day book drive.
ILLINOIS
Chicago West Suburban
Before the holidays, alumnae volunteered at the DuPage County Marine Corps League Toys for Tots warehouse. The group invited friends and family to join them, and together, they counted, sorted, and packed toys for children in the western suburbs of Chicago.
INDIANA
Lafayette
Alumnae and collegians from Alpha Theta Chapter (Purdue University) held a virtual “What’s in Your Room?” show-and-tell event. Sisters logged in from Oklahoma, Kansas, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Indiana to participate. Everyone shared what they found in their rooms, including books, souvenirs, and ZTA keepsakes.
MASSACHUSETTS
Bay State
Sisters gathered to celebrate the holidays and decorate gingerbread houses. The event’s hostess provided kits, and each sister brought her favorite candy to use for decorations. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments and a night of festive sisterhood!
MINNESOTA
Twin Cities
Members gathered for the chapter’s monthly Zeta Brews event at Pryes Brewing Company in Minneapolis. Sisters brought coats and coldweather accessories to donate to those in need in Minnesota.
MISSISSIPPI
Northeast Mississippi
Alumnae from this chapter gathered to learn the rules and history of Mahjong. Now that they understand the basics, they’re excited to play together again!
MISSOURI
[4] St. Louis
Sisters from this chapter prepared for the Winter Olympics by visiting the St. Louis Curling Club. In just two hours, members were coached through the basics and ended with a friendly match!
NEW JERSEY
[5] Northern New Jersey Sisters attended a local bakery’s Wickedly Delicious Tea to celebrate the release of the movie “Wicked: For Good.” Members shared Wickedthemed breakfast items, finger sandwiches, drinks, and a gravitydefying dessert tower.
NORTH CAROLINA
Hickory-Morganton
Members invited their friends and family to celebrate the holidays with them. The group gathered at a favorite local restaurant and played a game to exchange ornaments.
OHIO
Cleveland-West
This chapter planned a virtual murder mystery party to account for unpredictable winter weather. Sisters, dressed for the theme and armed with props, gathered online to work through the clues and solve the mystery together.
Dayton
Members gathered virtually for a night of cozy crafting at home while enjoying sisterhood. The chapter shared sample ideas and goody bags with art supplies before the event. During the video call, members made their own fairy doors.
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, members attended a traditional Cherokee basket weaving class. While making their own baskets with a little turquoise in them, sisters learned about the cultural purpose of the basket and the Cherokee water spider.
PENNSYLVANIA
[6] Lehigh Valley
During their annual holiday gathering, members participated in a new tradition called “Yule Crushed It!” Sisters shared the accomplishments they were most proud of from 2025 and enjoyed a delicious yule log cake. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the year and all the things they accomplished!
Northeastern PA
These ladies gathered for a winter warm-up recruitment event. Potential new members were invited to meet chapter members for a fun evening at a local restaurant. There was snow on the ground, and warmth all around!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Coastal Islands
Sisters held a craft event in which they decoupaged oyster shells in a coastal theme for attendees of South Carolina Zeta Day.
TENNESSEE
Knoxville
Each sister brought an ornament to this chapter’s afternoon tea at a local restaurant. They played a game using “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to pass ornaments from left to right around the table. At the end of the story, each person opened the ornament they had in front of them and took it home.
TEXAS
Dallas Area Night
Members got together for a night of crafting and service. Sisters made warm fleece blankets for those in need and collected hats and gloves to donate to a local nonprofit.
Lubbock
This chapter held an ornament exchange and toy drive for the holidays. Each sister brought an ornament that reminded them of ZTA, and the group played a fun white elephant game to exchange them.
VIRGINIA
Fredericksburg
Sisters met at a local Chinese restaurant to celebrate the New Year with sisterhood, laughter, and good food. They shared their hopes and goals for 2026 and reflected on their accomplishments from 2025.
Richmond
Chapter members lit up the night with laughter and holiday cheer as they strolled through the festive displays at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Lakeside, Virginia. Surrounded by twinkling lights, festive decor, and the magic of the season, these sisters turned the gardens into their own winter wonderland.
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee Sisters met at the festive Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee to collect holiday gifts for a local family and share a time of fellowship over brunch. It was a great way to celebrate the season with service and sisterhood!
NOBLE ACHIEVEMENTS
KARRI GOELDNER BYRNE
Alpha Omicron, The University of Iowa
BRYLEE HOGAN
Eta Rho, The University of North Alabama
Karri was honored with The University of Iowa’s International Impact Award. She is a member of the advisory committee for the Markets in Crisis Community of Practice and has dedicated her 30-year career to international development, from volunteering at a refugee camp in Croatia to helping locals in Bosnia write applications for grants to create jobs post-war.
SONJA HOGGATT CLARK
Delta Eta, West Texas A&M University
Sonja was named one of three 2025 Distinguished Alumni for her university. Sonja is very active in her community, having served the Amarillo Area Foundation, Texas Association of Community Colleges, WT’s Business Advisory Council, WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board, the WTAMU Foundation, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, and several other organizations. She currently works as the Amarillo site leader at Bell Textron Inc.
Brylee was one of only two students to receive UNA’s highest honor for graduating seniors—the Turris Fidelis Award—for her service to the school and academic excellence. She graduated summa cum laude and was also named the 2025 Promising Alumni for the Anderson College of Nursing & Health Professions.
CAMILLE DADAMIO SISKOY
Eta Xi, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Camille received the Virginia Tech Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Emerging Leaders Award for 2025, recognizing her dynamic 14-year career at General Motors, where she developed and led the Commission Vehicle Engineering team. Beyond her technical achievements, Camille mentors young engineers, founded the GM Hokie Network, and serves as a key university liaison.
KATHERINE MURPHY THOMPSON
Gamma Tau, Texas Tech University
Katherine, a teacher at Del Valle High School in El Paso, Texas, received a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award for the 2025-2026 cycle from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Katherine is one of approximately 400 master teachers and administrators selected to participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchanges each year.
[1] Although their chapter is closed, these women from Alpha Alpha (Iowa Wesleyan College) continue to get together to celebrate sisterhood.
[2] These 10 alumnae from 10 different collegiate chapters have been traveling together for 10 years! They visited the United Kingdom last fall.
[3] Five sisters from Eta Iota (Valdosta State University) visited Asheville, North Carolina, to celebrate their 70th birthdays.
[4] A group of Eta Nu (Radford University) sisters reunited at a winery in Virginia over the summer. Their next adventure is already on the books!
[5] Each winter, alumnae from Eta Omega (Louisiana State University Shreveport) gather to reconnect and celebrate the holidays together.
[6] These Alpha Upsilon (Oklahoma State University) members from the late 70s/early 80s keep their sisterhood strong with monthly lunch outings.
[7] Zeta Nu (Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania) sisters reunited while visiting Walt Disney World in Florida.
[8] Every summer, a group of sisters from Zeta Beta (Thiel College) attend a hot air balloon festival in Wadsworth, Ohio, with their families.
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).
