Themis—Summer 2023

NATIONAL COUNCIL

National President

Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma

Vice President Collegiate I

Meredith Harris Braselman, Delta Lambda

Vice President Collegiate II

Stancy Robinson Hagans, Gamma Tau

Vice President Collegiate III

Kimberly Jones Ivester, Gamma Pi

Vice President Alumnae I

Kery Reinkemyer Webb, Eta Iota

Vice President Alumnae II

Cheri White Armstrong, Theta Gamma

Secretary-Treasurer

Shannon Ferguson, Alpha Psi

National Panhellenic Conference Delegate

Dr. Katie Peoples Zamulinsky, Theta Xi

Extension Director

Karla Lundgren Wheeler, Psi

ZTA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION

President

Natalie Yingling Lisko, Delta Omega

Vice President Housing Area I

Karen Rose Roper, Iota Alpha

Vice President Housing Area II

Julie Ward Moxley, Theta Sigma

Vice President Housing Area III

Marnie Marlar Frazier, Eta Omega

Vice President Construction

Kris Fleming, Eta Theta

Vice President Design

Ashlee Driggers Kositz, Eta Chi

Vice President Operations

Nona Douglass Richey, Zeta Omicron

Secretary-Treasurer

Casey Guimbellot Pash, Iota Chi

Directors

Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma

Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau

Shannon Ferguson, Alpha Psi

ZTA FOUNDATION

President

Carolyn Hof Carpenter, Theta Tau

Vice President of Alumnae Development

Cynthia Byars Courtney, Gamma Tau

Vice President of Collegiate Development

Carla Martin Cobb, Theta Tau

Vice President of Philanthropy

Marlene Dunbar Conrad, Eta Iota

Vice President of Scholarship

Kristen Humeston Harthorn, Beta Phi

Secretary-Treasurer

Kay Dill Kreutzer, Eta Rho

Directors

Nora Nell Hardy Jackson, Beta Gamma

Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, Gamma Beta

Sherry Server Tilley, Zeta Alpha

Dinah Jackson Laughery, Beta Gamma

Shannon Ferguson, Alpha Psi

Natalie Yingling Lisko, Delta Omega

Casey Guimbellot Pash, Iota Chi

From Where I Sit

The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha encourages us “to learn those things that will ever enrich and ennoble our lives.” This edition of Themis should arrive in your mailbox shortly after nearly 800 sisters spent a weekend learning from each other at the 2023 Summer Leadership Academy in Indianapolis.

The biennial academy brings together the current and future leaders of our Fraternity. Collegiate members at Emerging Leaders Academy gain knowledge and perspective to take on bigger roles in their chapters in the future. Collegiate and Alumnae National Officers learn to develop stronger engagement and connections that will help them guide chapters. The General Advisors attending focus on coaching and mentoring collegiate members to success. The newest Leadership Consultants prepare for an amazing year visiting and supporting our chapters. That’s a lot of learning, enriching and ennobling.

I love the summer academy because leadership development has been so important to my ZTA journey. As a chapter advisor, I learned “to be true to ourselves” with open and honest communication that built trust. As a Province President, I learned to empower others and delegate responsibilities because, in a Province with four chapters, more than 400 collegians and a dozen advisors, I couldn’t and shouldn’t have done it all.

As a member of national committees and a Director of New Chapters, I learned the value of listening “to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom.” When I worked with chapters that needed guidance to move from good to great, I couldn’t provide that guidance until I understood their challenges. The understanding came when I talked less and listened more. More than anything, I learned I couldn’t lead if I wasn’t willing to be vulnerable myself. That meant “finding satisfaction in being rather than seeming” by sharing my journey through anorexia with collegiate women so they knew they weren’t alone and support and recovery were within their grasp.

I often quote The Creed in conversations with collegiate members and alumnae volunteers. Today, as the newest member of National Council, I understand our Creed in new ways. Because I now represent every member of Zeta Tau Alpha, I remember to always “have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart” when making decisions. Although The Creed was written 95 years ago, its message and the values within it are still true and more relevant than ever because, like ZTA, leadership and learning are forever.

MEREDITH HARRIS BRASELMAN Vice President Collegiate I

[4] Amie Jo Hill Hewette, Michele Davis McGibony and Angela Benton McManigal, sisters at Zeta Xi Chapter (Georgia Southern University), just before a Crush Party in 1992.

[5] Left to right: Samantha Rosengarten, Emily Hamner, Tara Kremhelmer and Madelynn Lula of Zeta Omega Chapter (Ferris State University) at the 2019 Best Man on Campus fundraiser.

[6] Alpha Zeta Chapter (The Ohio State University), 1986. Left to right: Gwen Eastlake DeCrow, Debi Price Cole, Margie Munger Nelson.

[7] Beta Theta (Franklin College) sisters Peighton Noel, left, and Elizabeth Gillin in 2020.

THEMIS

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 by emailing news@zetataualpha.org or through 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).

Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha (ISSN 1529-6709); (USPS 627-120) is published quarterly by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032.

Subscription: $2 per year. Single copies: $0.50. Periodical postage paid in Carmel, Indiana, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Themis of Zeta Tau Alpha, 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032.

[8] Theta Psi Chapter (Texas State University) sisters in 1994. Left to right: Mika Chalk, Kathy Rackley, Natalie Smith, Kim Nicholes Weirich, Jamie Bland Jordan and Amy Hightower.

[9] Left to right: Lisa Kozikowski Gaebler, Melissa Womer Finklea, Janis Abraham Logsdon and Deborah Horn Kohut at an Alpha Xi Chapter (Indiana University) quad roomies reunion in 2016. They were roommates in 1983.

[10] Tess Devers, left, and Bailee Elvington at Eta Chi Chapter (Francis Marion University) Spring 2023 Formal.

Member, Fraternity Communications Association and National Panhellenic Conference © 2023 Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity

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

1036 S. Rangeline Road

Carmel, IN 46032

zetataualpha.org

ZTA DONORS Foundation

- AN EXCITING CHANGE IS COMING!

The winter issue of Themis will be the inaugural Foundation Issue. We will recognize donors, celebrate scholarship recipients and much more.

Please note that all levels of donors lists will move from the fall issue to this winter issue.

ON THE COVER: Learn

10

NEW SLATE OF LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS

Sixteen Leadership Consultants will hit the road in August, assisting our collegiate chapters in leadership development, officer education and operations.

12 HEROES HEAR THE CALL

Many of our alumnae and collegiate Zetas are first responders, such as firefighters, disaster response workers or law enforcement personnel. Read about these sisters’ experiences and what inspired them to make a career of helping during emergencies.

THEMIS

VOLUME 121 NUMBER 4

SUMMER 2023

1036 S. Rangeline Road

Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 872–0540

zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org

STAFF

Editor

Wendy Brunner

Graphic Designer

Kahlie Cannon

Staff Writer

Christy Marx Barber, Alpha Psi

Senior Director of Communication

Ashley Sherman

Contributors

Susan L. Beard, Delta Psi

Liv Gardner, Delta Gamma

Peyton Harris, Gamma Iota

Patti Cords Levitte, Beta Phi

Hannah Newman, Zeta Lambda

Maddie Willis, Alpha Omicron

What is/was your favorite part of Recruitment/ new member season?

We asked our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn followers what is or was their favorite part of Recruitment/new member season. Below are the responses. Are you surprised by your sisters’ answers or are they what you expected?

#WeAreZTA

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @ztafraternity |

@eastcentralzta HAPPY #throwwhatyouknow THURSDAY !! tag a sister(s) you are missing this summer !!!

@zta. omicron Feels like home to me

@ztagmu sis•ter•hood (noun): a word to describe the incredible bond found within ZTA #masonpanhellenic #GoPatriotsGoGreek

@wiscozta To our amazing seniors, Thank you for everything you’ve done for our chapter!!! We are so proud of everything each one of you have accomplished!... #zetataualpha #wiscozta #zlam

@kansaszta spring bid day ‘23 we had so much fun welcoming our spring COBs to the zisterhood this weekend!!

@zta_uno Still reminiscing on our amazing spring semester <3

Zeta Tau Alpha is turning 125 years old and we want sisters everywhere to be a part of the celebration! There will be live feeds of special events happening throughout the weekend of Oct. 14 and 15, including campus tours and a Founders’ Day Service.

Visit 125.zetataualpha.org for more info!

NEW ADDRESS: 1898 ROOMMATE ROAD, FRIENDVILLE, ANY STATE, USA

By Hannah Newman, Contributing Writer

Roommates can form the foundation of sisterhood for Zetas who will later weave together college memories. Those memories usually begin with living arrangements, where sisters find a home within ZTA and carry that piece of their ZTA experience with them for decades. The days of living together come to an end, but the laughter, compassion and sense of fulfillment among roommates travel with them the rest of their lives. These sisters tagged their roommates on ZTA’s Facebook page for ZTA’s Roommate Appreciation Day March 4. We asked them to share their roommate experiences and how far their memories and relationships have taken them.

SUSIE WERNER GEIGER Initiated in 1979

Epsilon Chapter, University of Arkansas

In the 1980s, Epsilon sisters changed rooms and roommates two to three times a year, giving members more opportunities to get to know each other. Having five best friends sharing the same room was like a never-ending slumber party filled with laughs, chaos and fun times. Thanks to social media, we have been able to keep up with each other’s lives. We will receive our White Violet pins in a few years, so perhaps another slumber party is in order.

ABBY ORKUS DONNELLY Initiated 2005

Delta Kappa Chapter, Louisiana State University

I was blessed to spend my years at LSU living in the Delta Kappa Chapter house with my best friends and sisters. Our rooms were known as the “Fun Zone!” The joyful memories completely shaped my ZTA experience. Over a decade has passed since graduation and we still communicate about our daily lives in our group text. Though we are scattered across the country, we are still linked together. We even all shared the same cake knife for our weddings! Ashley, Brandi, Brittney, Caitlyn, Heather, Jen, Kayla, Lauren, Monica and 4010 West Lakeshore Drive will always be home to me.

Susie Werner Geiger

Abby Orkus Donnelly

BRANDI RIBECKY COPLEY

Initiated 2006

Zeta Alpha Chapter, University of Evansville

In August 2006, I moved into Hughes Hall. I grew up in Michigan and my roommate, Jessica, was from Southern California. We learned we have the same birthday. We hit it off immediately and became inseparable. Jessica and I were known for pranks with our floormates and for watching Food Network and creating interesting food concoctions. We still talk and, of course, celebrate our birthday, although we live in different states and haven’t seen each other in over a decade. Roommates in a dorm with no air conditioning have a bond, but it’s a stronger bond when roommates are sisters for life.

RACHEL WRAY

Initiated 2019

Alpha Nu Chapter, Birmingham-Southern College

During my junior year, I lived with five of my best friends. We made the best memories together and learned so much about each other; it was like a fun sleepover every night. These sisters taught me what true friendship is, and I know that without each of them I would not have survived the year. We laughed together, we cried together and celebrated every victory each one of us achieved together. We always had each other’s backs and still do to this day. Without ZTA, I wouldn’t have met best friends for life and memories I will cherish forever.

CYNDI STARK CHLUP

Initiated 1987

Gamma Phi Chapter, University of North Texas

I met Amy Taylor Hanlon in 1986 as a freshman. She was one of my pledge sisters. We did everything together. Our junior year, we became suitemates at College Inn. We went to everything together: every formal, date party and fraternity event. We danced almost every weekend at Dallas clubs. We were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings, have watched our children grow into adults and belong to the same alumnae chapter. Amy battled breast cancer this past year and is a survivor. I can’t imagine my life without her. Because of ZTA, I found the most awesome best friend for life.

Brandi Ribecky Copley

Brandi Ribecky Copley

Rachel Wray

Rachel Wray

Cyndi Stark Chlup

FUNDRAISERS AS VARIED AS THE CHAPTERS THEMSELVES

By Maddie Willis, Contributing Writer

No matter their size, Zeta Tau Alpha chapters show ongoing support for breast cancer education and awareness by organizing campus fundraisers. With tournaments, races, galas and community dinners, chapters take pride in raising awareness and funds.

“Our chapters’ fundraisers are vital to the ZTA Foundation’s ability to support our breast cancer education and awareness efforts,” said Carla Martin Cobb, Foundation Vice President of Collegiate Development. “The collegiate effort allows us to continue our partnerships with the American Cancer Society®, the National Football League and Bright Pink®, and to continually broaden our philanthropic and educational reach.”

Iota Pi Chapter’s Crown Classic Football Tournament at the University of Dayton grew by leaps and bounds in the past academic year. Members raised over $16,700, tripling the amount raised in most recent years.

Iota Pi Director of Philanthropy and Service Megan Grimshaw revamped the chapter’s page on Crowd Change , the online fundraising platform available to all ZTA chapters that allows members to create their own donation page. The chapter encouraged fundraising by offering incentive awards to

members. First prize, a $60 Lululemon gift card, went to a member who raised $620 on her own fundraising page. “The incentives and changes created the best culture surrounding our philanthropy event,” said Iota Pi President Kate Stewart.

Another successful campus fundraiser is Alpha Omicron Chapter’s 5K race at The University of Iowa. Members are working toward reaching a new fundraising goal of $25,000 in the fall. In hopes of reaching that goal, current Vice President IV/Philanthropy, Service & Fundraising Grace Kolholf wants to emphasize the meaning of philanthropy to all chapter members.

Grace and other officers often share a story from an Iowa baseball Pink Out game. An older gentleman came to the Think Pink® table to let the Zetas know their efforts matter . He lost his wife to breast cancer, and he encouraged the women to keep up the impactful work. Members hold that story close to their hearts. “I think if you really care about philanthropy, you’re more likely to want to fundraise for it,” Grace said.

“I’m excited to see the community involvement and how excited everyone will be when we hit that $25,000 goal,” Alpha Omicron President Olivia Ruby said. “It’s going to be awesome to celebrate that with the chapter and reward the philanthropy team’s efforts.”

Each year, Gamma Psi Chapter (Texas Christian University) hosts its White Violet Gala to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness. This past year, the gala featured a western theme and a special performance by a country musician, so the chapter members enjoyed wearing their best boots and hats as they supported ZTA’s national philanthropy.

Members invite their parents to the gala that always features a successful auction in addition to music and dancing. Each chapter member donates at least one item to be auctioned, like NBA tickets, local concert tickets and baskets filled with gift cards.

“Our members love to come look at the donations. It makes them feel special to say ‘I contributed this and it’s raising this much money. This is something I did to help benefit the chapter and this cause,’’’ said Sofia Leyerle, former Vice President of Philanthropy.

With 300 members, Gamma Psi is one of the largest ZTA chapters, and the gala raises over $50,000. Current Vice President IV/Philanthropy, Service & Fundraising Lucy Priest has set next year’s fundraising goal at $65,000 to $70,000.

Whether their membership is large or small, ZTA chapters work hard to make a sizable difference. In fall 2022, the 40 members of Kappa Iota

Chapter at Moravian College raised almost $6,000 at their spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

Chapter President Paige Spoerl said the chapter does amazing outreach to the entire campus by inviting everybody. Throughout their Pink Week, chapter members host tabling events on campus to sell tickets and other goodies. But the spaghetti dinner is where Kappa Iota Chapter emphasizes the meaning of ZTA’s philanthropy. During the dinner, the chapter honors survivors of breast cancer.

The common theme throughout these chapter events is the importance of philanthropy to every sister and the chapter leaders’ willingness to learn and educate their chapters and the community about breast cancer. “So many women in our chapter have connections to our philanthropy,” said former Alpha Omicron VP IV/ Philanthropy, Service & Fundraising Merrin O’Connor. “Everyone wants to support those connections and hear those stories.”

Successful Fundraiser Checklist

Share the CrowdChange website on members’ social accounts and with family and friends. Generate positive PR on your campus and in your community. Engage the entire campus, including potential new members, faculty and other campus organizations. Showcase your chapter to parents and friends at the event.

Build pride and sisterhood in your chapter. Give yourselves a hug. You truly make a difference!

Gamma Psi Chapter, Texas Christian University

READY TO RESPOND

By Patti Cords Levitte, Archivist, and Susan L. Beard, Archives Committee Chair

It is natural that as Zeta sisters, we help each other through hard times in our personal lives. But how does ZTA respond during other types of crises? The crises that affect our communities, our country or the world?

There was not a national fraternal focus on any specific crisis until the U.S. was shaken by the outbreak of World War I in July 1914. The U.S. entered the war in April 1917, and the May 1917 issue of Themis devoted 30 pages explaining how ZTA sisters could work for the American Red Cross in their communities.

In terms of a specific organizational plan, we did not really have one other than to cut expenses as much as possible and devote our time and money to working for our local Red Cross agencies. Members were urged to get medical training, if possible, in case the need for nurses grew. This was a time when chapters chose to give up things like rush parties, social dinners and dances and turn those funds over to local projects benefiting the soldiers fighting abroad. We have many chapter reports of members making bandages and knitting various clothing items to be sent overseas.

Zetas also became vitally interested in assisting the survivors of the Armenian genocide of 1915-16. Our early California collegiate chapters, notably Xi (University of Southern California) and Upsilon (University of California, Berkeley) and alumnae chapters were involved in raising relief funds and bringing refugees to the U.S. The husband of Mary Kimbrough Harty, one of Kappa

Chapter’s earliest initiates in 1907, was on the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief. She put on programs of awareness and fundraising in Texas during 1915, in a state where many had never met anyone of Armenian descent.

ZTA’s very own Grand President at the time, Dr. May Agness Hopkins, was involved in WWI in a more personal way. Dr. Hopkins went to France in June 1918 to head a children’s hospital but was instead called into service on the front lines near Chateau-Thierry with a group of nurses from Smith College. She did triage work on soldiers, performed operations, requisitioned supplies from the local populace and moved injured soldiers by boat to safer locations.

She stayed close to the front lines that summer, and her letters to other Grand Chapter officers mention her medical work, interspersed with directions for ZTA. It was only after the armistice was signed in November 1918 that she was able to do the work with children she had been brought to France to do, helping to repatriate French and Belgian child refugees for a few months. In a postwar interview, when asked about the change of plans and being sent to the front, she said, “But over here, haven’t you found out you do the thing that you were NOT sent here to do?” Dr. Hopkins was a great example of a Zeta who rose to the occasion and pitched in where needed, while still maintaining her ZTA ties at home.

ABOVE: Dr. Hopkins in uniform.

BOTTOM LEFT: 1918 –Dr. Hopkins in France.

BOTTOM RIGHT: 1918 – Dr. Hopkins in France, with an Army officer.

At the end of WWI, the first influenza pandemic hit ZTA chapters that had just started to function normally after the war years. They were thrown into quarantines of chapter houses and colleges, with many members leaving campus and never returning. Our national position on the pandemic was to follow state and local guidelines and to assist as much as possible in local communities to help people get through waves of illnesses.

Zetas also answered the call to step in to fix problems where they saw them happening. Founder Frances Yancey Smith was aware of the inequities in the rural mountain areas of Virginia near ZTA’s Farmville birthplace. Her development of the ZTA Health Clinic in 1928 occurred at just the right time, as the Great Depression hit in October 1929. State and local governments had absolutely no funds to do outreach to the mountain communities, so Frances and her team of volunteer sisters, along with one paid nurse, took over medical and social services for the Currin Valley region in Virginia. ZTA saw the need and responded to it, making it our national philanthropic project. The Fraternity would continue to operate it through 1946, when the state of Virginia finally had resources after the end of World War II to begin development in the mountainous, rural areas.

WWII brought another round of challenges and crises to ZTA. By that time, the Fraternity was a much larger organization than during the first World War, and many members took leaves of absence from college to join the branches of the military. Normal chapter operations continued, but they were greatly reduced in size and scope, and many campuses turned into training centers for the military. ZTA even gave up many of their chapter facilities, like at Alpha Tau (University of Minnesota), to serve as housing for the soldiers in training. Many chapter members worked at USO recreational centers

for soldiers and volunteered again with the Red Cross. Our national work focused on the Red Cross’s blood donor program, and Zetas across the country proved it wasn’t events or houses that made sisterhood possible, but the perseverance of the members and their willingness to sacrifice for others.

Outside of wartime, Zetas have stepped up in times of natural disasters. The campus of Washburn University in Kansas was hit by a destructive tornado June 8, 1966. This storm touched every building on campus, destroying many of them. The Alpha Mu chapter house wasn’t spared and took a direct hit. The facility had only just undergone a complete renovation, so that made the destruction even more painful. The alumnae chapters in Topeka and Kansas City rallied to help find housing for the displaced collegians and spent many days assisting in the cleanup of the entire campus. Chapters across the country donated

all the items needed to run a chapter house, and with assistance from the Fraternity, the house was rebuilt within a year.

ZTA members have endured many other natural disasters like floods and tornadoes that have decimated the communities where we have chapters. The Fraternity has also responded to national emergencies like the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The recent COVID pandemic tested all Zetas in our capability to continue with normal activities. No campus was left untouched, and many of our regular operating procedures had to be altered to make gathering safe. Outside of wartime, we have never been tested as an organization in quite the same way.

There is no doubt that in a time of crisis, ZTA is always ready to respond. Resourceful and resilient, we have proven our readiness time and time again.

ABOVE: 1943 national ZTA blood program.

RIGHT: Dallas ZTA collegians and members of Pi Beta Phi working on a USO recreation room for military members.

Mady Fairchild Lambda Omicron Chapter Boise State University

Isabella Italiano Iota Delta Chapter Towson University

Galena Lopuchovsky Zeta Gamma Chapter Youngstown State University

Alicia Cornelius Alpha Upsilon Chapter Oklahoma State University

Chelsea Griffin* Alpha Chapter Longwood University

Grace Breuers Gamma Zeta Chapter Mississippi State University

Emma Guido Eta Xi Chapter Virginia Tech

Lauren Henson Theta Eta Chapter Stephen F. Austin State University

Madelynn Perez Delta Alpha Chapter California State University, Long Beach

Lizzie Shaw Delta Kappa Chapter Louisiana State University

Lauren Randall Epsilon Chapter University of Arkansas

Katie Beth Wells Zeta Xi Chapter Georgia Southern University

Kayleigh Maimone Gamma Beta Chapter Washington College

Caitlyn Segear Kappa Xi Chapter Stockton University

Ellie Wichman Alpha Omicron Chapter University of Iowa

Rachel Mikowski* Delta Lambda Chapter Georgia State University

*Denotes a returning Leadership Consultant

VERY DIFFERENT ZETAS SHARE SAME PASSION TO HELP OTHERS 8

heroes hearthe call

Zetas’ hearts lead them to care for and support others, and they are known for lending a hand to those in need. With those attributes, it’s no surprise many Zetas pursue careers as first responders, which include jobs such as disaster response personnel, firefighters and law enforcement officers.

These first responder sisters live The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha daily: they think in terms of all mankind and their service in the world, and they have learned the nobility of serving.

They are steadfast and strong, and they built their careers on the foundation of Love, the greatest of all things.

On these next pages, you’ll meet eight alumnae and collegians who run toward disasters rather than away from them and who help us during our most challenging times. You’ll learn what inspired their journeys and what keeps them in these noble careers.

call

BY HANNAH NEWMAN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Zeta Tau Alpha members learn the nobility of serving early in their experience. For many, it becomes a lifelong passion. As first responders in floods, tornadoes, ice storms and fires, Susan Feiock Breece, Tracy Jones Christie and Mie Lucas continue to help others in the most vulnerable days of their lives.

Susan was initiated at Beta Delta Chapter (Miami University of Ohio) in 1960. After a career as a journalist, she became a volunteer first responder following the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. “What inspired me to do this was the desire to offer effective assistance to people when a disaster or something completely unexpected happens to them,” Susan says.

She responded to an ad for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which is a FEMA-run program that trains private citizens

“What inspired me to do this was the desire to offer effective assistance to people when a disaster or something completely unexpected happens to them.”

to assist others when first responders are unable to get there. She describes this service as “pre-first responders.”

Susan has been a CERT volunteer operations team leader in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County areas of Florida for 21 years. Since the program began in her area, CERT volunteers have responded to many floods. The team goes out in high-rise vehicles to deliver food to families who are unable to leave their homes.

“As a Christian, I’m called to help other people and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I believe this is something I’m being called to do.”

“My role is to be on call 24 hours a day to activate the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate disaster response.”

These “pre-first responders” play vital roles rarely shown in television and movie rescue scenes.

“We’re prepared to do search and rescue. We’re prepared to practice disaster psychology if it should be necessary, and we’re prepared to put out very small fires. There’s a structure to volunteering; we’re organized into teams and follow the Incident Command System,” Susan says.

Tracy Jones Christie, a 1974 initiate of Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin), is a volunteer on the Red Cross Disaster Action Team in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. The team assists families who experience house fires and natural disasters.

This journey began for Tracy in spring 2011. She and other volunteers from her church in St. Joseph, Missouri, traveled to Joplin, Missouri, to serve that community after a devastating EF-5 tornado. Later that spring, she volunteered in flood relief in the St. Joseph area.

“As a Christian, I’m called to help other people and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I believe this is something I’m being called to do,” she says.

She recalls a house fire that occurred in near-zero temperatures. The family made it out with nothing but the clothes they were sleeping in. The father of two young children had to leave an oxygen tank behind. The fire department was able to provide a replacement tank and the community responded with empathy.

“The neighborhood was bringing socks and coats for them. The family was really grateful, and that stuck with me,” she says.

Mie Lucas, a 2004 initiate of Eta Mu Chapter (Augusta University) is an emergency member at a nuclear site in AugustaRichmond County, Georgia.

“My role is to be on call 24 hours a day to activate the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate disaster response,” Mie says. “In the ‘clear sky times,’ I write emergency response plans for the county that outline roles and responsibilities and teach the community about family emergency preparedness.”

A college internship with the Red Cross gave Mie her first glance at the role of a first responder. “We had two tornadoes in the area and I kind of got hooked on being able to help people,” Mie says.

An ice storm in 2014 shut down her community and left residents without power for two weeks. It was the first immense response of her career.

“I became the face of what roads were closing, what emergency services were available, where people could go to shelter,” Mie says. “I was sleeping on my office floor because it wasn’t safe for me to go home. I worked 14-plus hour days to make sure people had the immediate information they needed.”

These “pre-first responders” play vital roles rarely shown in television and movie rescue scenes.

“Very rarely do they show the fire trucks unable to get to a scene because the road is blocked by five trees and they have to get a chainsaw to cut those trees out of the way before they can get there,” says CERT volunteer Susan. “I don’t know that there is a TV version of the citizen volunteer, but there probably should be.”

fire

BY PEYTON HARRIS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Beth Fournier and Gwen Drilling Noe have always been passionate about serving their communities. From fire chaplain to firefighter captain, New Jersey to Idaho, these ZTA alumnae were drawn to the challenging life as

Beth, a 1992 graduate from Salisbury University (Theta Delta Chapter), had always been intrigued by the idea of being a volunteer firefighter. As a child, she watched her father serve as a firefighter and admired his bravery and dedication to the community. She volunteered with the canteen department to provide food and refreshments to the firefighters.

After graduating college, she received a Fire Officer 1 certification and moved to Paterson, New Jersey, to pursue her career. Unwittingly, she became the first female firefighter in the city. Fifteen years later, she became the department’s first female captain.

“I wasn’t here to be the first female. I just wanted to do the same job as everybody else, because my goal was to get on the job and just be a firefighter,” she says.

That goal didn’t come without challenges, Beth said. During her tenure, she sustained multiple injuries, including compromising both

Achilles’ heels. She also went through pregnancy on the job and ultimately, working a desk job within the department while pregnant taught her more about her profession.

One of her most memorable moments in her service was being off duty when a man dropped from a heart attack at the gym. With her training, Beth was able to use CPR and resuscitate him.

The greatest part of her job is the community. “Being in a sisterhood, as I was with ZTA, helped me to be a member of this brotherhood that is the fire service. So, it's almost like I went from one fraternity to another,” she says.

Gwen, a 1979 graduate from Arkansas Tech University (Theta Theta Chapter), felt called to some sort of service in 2013. She had worked with her church for half a decade but knew she belonged elsewhere. When her son began working as a firefighter, she joined the Nolensville, Tennessee, Volunteer Fire Department, initially as chaplain, and then trained as a firefighter and emergency medical responder.

As years passed, Gwen transitioned to solely working as a fire chaplain and in crisis response. In these roles, she works on-scene with families to connect them with the Red Cross and assist with notifying immediate family, as well as responding to psychological emergencies like suicide threats.

She also works in debriefings to serve other first responders and works as an advocate and informant for families after a loved one goes into cardiac arrest. One of the hardest tasks she sees is dealing with death and potential suicides.

“I spoke to a teen girl who survived an accident but saw one of her friends die. She was clearly traumatized, and it broke my heart to hear what she went through,” Gwen says. “I advised her mother to get her counseling. Two years later, I still think of her and wonder how she is. I've heard that two teens died by suicide after this incident and am so scared she was one of them.”

However, the job isn’t all gloom for Gwen. “The good moments are mostly after an incident where the family or

first responder thanks me for being there,” she says. “It is a great feeling to know I have given firefighters the tools needed to get care. First responders see, hear, smell and touch things on a regular basis that most people do not. This affects us mentally and puts us at a high risk for suicide.”

Gwen’s days have no rhyme or reason; she can have quiet one day and a barrage of calls the next. In between responding to calls, she takes care of the boutique she runs, debriefs officers, leads training and checks in with crews.

Gwen says her primary sense of purpose in her job is to mitigate suicide risks within first responders. “In a 70-year lifespan, the average person sees one or two traumatic incidents, whereas in a 20-year career, a first responder will see 700, and it gets to us,” she says. “That's why I do what I do—to promote awareness of just how dangerous this job is and how easy it is to get help and get through.”

Beth Gwen

“What inspired me to do this was the desire to offer effective assistance to people when a disaster or something completely unexpected happens to them.”

“It is a great feeling to know I have given firefighters the tools needed to get care.”

... in a 20-year career, a first responder will see 700 [incidents], and it gets to us ...

law

BY OLIVIA GARDNER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The expectation for law enforcement officers is to be fearless, tough and resilient. Yet, once their shifts end, they are regular people with lives of their own.

Tracy Harbaugh Drager, Kammy Knox and Renae Rice are Zetas, moms, wives, lawyers and teachers. They are also police officers with a passion for serving.

Tracy Harbaugh Drager is a police sergeant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a 1996 initiate of Delta Pi Chapter (Eastern New Mexico University.) During her first week in uniform, she was involved in a mass shooting. A perpetrator set out to kill as many law enforcement officers as possible and shot four of her fellow first responders. “Afterwards, I spoke with my parents, and they asked if I still wanted to do this,” Tracy says. “The answer was a resounding yes.”

All Tracy wanted to do at that moment was make the community safer and she knew she was finally able to do that. But, along with the need to protect others came a

constant threat to her own wellbeing. “I’m a single mother who works the night shift,” she says. “Every evening I get ready for work, hug my family good night and do everything I can to ensure I get home safe in the morning for them.”

Kammy Knox is a police officer in Alexandria, Virginia, and a 1990 initiate of Zeta Nu Chapter (Lock Haven University). Also a single mother, Kammy knows the fear of Tracy’s day-to-day routine. “It’s hard doing this job and being a single parent,” says Kammy. “People want to hurt you and potentially your family because of the job you’ve done.”

Despite the danger and stress, both women find the role rewarding.

“I have the opportunity to rescue children from abusive homes, get women out of abusive relationships and get drunk drivers off the road,” Tracy says.

“People come up to me years after I worked their case and thank me for the job I did,” Kammy says. “That’s why I do what I do.”

Tracy

“Every evening I get ready for work, hug my family good night and do everything I can to ensure I get home safe in the morning for them.”

Kammy

“I have the opportunity to rescue children from abusive homes, get women out of abusive relationships and get drunk drivers off the road.”

Renae

“The things we see and experience are often extremely heavy and easy to internalize.”

The job can take a toll on first responders’ mental health, though. Not long after Kammy joined the department, she started having a repeating nightmare. The dream was always a routine traffic stop. She would pull the person over, get out of her car and approach the other vehicle. “As I walked closer, the person in the other car would start shooting at me,” Kammy says. “I would try to pull my gun out but would never be able to get it out of the holster, and that’s when I would wake up.”

For years, she internalized her worries until finally she chose to see a therapist. “It was the best thing I ever did, for me and my family,” Kammy says. “It helped me deal with the things I was compartmentalizing and also learn how to decompress my thoughts.”

Renae Rice, a 1992 initiate of Delta Theta Chapter (Ohio Northern University) is a retired law enforcement supervisor. She also emphasizes making mental health a priority. “The things we see and experience are often extremely heavy and easy to internalize,” Renae says. “If a department doesn’t suggest or offer counseling after a traumatic event, it is important you take the time to speak to someone.”

The mental-health challenges notwithstanding, Renae’s career was full of ground-breaking firsts that challenged the status-quo. After two years as an Ohio Highway Patrol officer, she joined the Dublin, Ohio, Police Department in 1999. There, she became the first woman supervisor as corporal, the first female sergeant and the first female to retire with full service in May 2021.

my head to my boss to try and get a different answer,” Renae recalls. “It was a main issue of disrespect.”

Kammy was fortunate to receive constant support from male coworkers. “The real problem for me has been male victims and perpetrators,” Kammy says. “They will refuse to talk to me, but as soon as a male officer asks them, they will spill all the details.”

Despite the challenges, these officers see their gender as a superpower. “Many times, victims would rather speak to a woman officer,” Kammy says. “We are here to listen and serve the community. Being a woman can often assist with that.”

chapter news Alumnae

[1] Birmingham

Alabama

Sisters celebrated seniors from Alpha Nu Chapter (Birmingham-Southern College) and Delta Psi Chapter (Samford University) by honoring their undergraduate accomplishments and inviting them to step into alumnae sisterhood. Alumnae lives have been enriched by “beeing” as loyal to ZTA as ZTA has been to them, and they invited these seniors into this next phase of their lives.

[2] Huntsville

Alabama

The sisters of this chapter partnered with Straight to Ale, a local brewery, to raise money for the ZTA Foundation and promote breast cancer education and awareness. Straight to Ale donated $1 of every pint sold while chapter members passed out Think Pink® ribbons to patrons and set up an information table.

Montgomery

Alabama

This was the chapter’s first year to participate in the Joy to Life: Walk of Life event, a local breast cancer awareness and fundraiser walk. Joy to Life is an Alabama-based organization that provides free mammograms and breast screening services to women and men in every county of Alabama.

Phoenix Arizona

Though the Arizona Cardinals may have lost to the Eagles, the Phoenix, AZ Chapter won during its Crucial Catch event. They handed out over 25,000 Think Pink® ribbons to promote breast cancer awareness at the Cardinals game.

Northwest Arkansas

Members enjoyed dinner and mingling the night before Zeta Day 2023: Wild About ZTA with alumnae from Oklahoma and Arkansas. Zeta Day is a great time every year for sisters from both states to get together.

Inland/Pomona California

Members host Crown Closet once a month, which consists of alumnae donating business attire to members of Kappa Theta Chapter (California State University, San Bernardino). Sisters are encouraged to collect items from friends and family to donate to the Crown Closet. Alumnae are present to assist collegians with outfit choices and interview preparations.

North Valley California

The Strawberries and Champagne Membership Kickoff Event was a brunch hosted by Sherri Reise

Phelan (Theta Alpha, California State University, Chico). Chapter members brought brunch items and, of course, strawberries to celebrate their chapter. They also hosted a Zoom chat for online members to pop in and say hi.

Sacramento California Chapter sisters really love Valentine’s Bunco! They’ve played it a few times and the turnout is always so high it will likely be continued as an ongoing event. Food, a Valentine’s Day treat exchange and a spirited competition that led to some cash payouts --what’s not to love?

[3] Westside-Santa Monica

California

Sisters held a joint event with members of the Long Beach, CA Chapter to attend the City of Torrance’s yearly Japanese festival called the Torrance Bunka-Sai Festival, which offers Japanese cultural events and food.

Boulder Colorado Chapter members gathered to make snacks for Kappa Alpha Chapter (Colorado State University) collegians to support them during their final exams. They dipped pretzels in chocolate and covered them with sprinkles. They also brought additional snacks to give them.

[4] Greater Ft. Lauderdale Florida

Members and their families traveled to West Palm Beach in April to see the musical “Wicked” because sister Andrea DiVincenzo Shairs (Delta Pi, Eastern New Mexico University) is the hair supervisor for the traveling troupe. Jennafer Newberry (Glinda, the Good Witch) met the group. Adding an element of service, sisters also stocked the food pantry for the Pace Center for Girls.

[5] Northwest Florida

Alumnae gathered at a member’s home for an evening of food, fun and lessons on how to roll sushi. After successful attempts at creating rolls with raw fish, sauteed shrimp and sauteed beef, those in attendance enjoyed the results of their efforts.

Palm Beach County Florida

The Vice President Membership compiled and distributed member directories to 46 active members of this chapter. Included were 2023 chapter membership cards for members to carry in their wallets. The directory included an article about the history of The Creed, plus questions encouraging members to contemplate which part(s) of The Creed resonate most with them. The directory and membership card were posted on the chapter’s Facebook page to publicize the value of joining.

Tallahassee Florida

The chapter has many new women who moved to Tallahassee and expressed interest in becoming active with the group. The fall 2022 Kickoff Recruitment event was held at a new local brewery and restaurant, and the event included wonderful conversation and getting to know one another, resulting in new members joining and becoming active in the group.

Tampa Florida

Members of this chapter accepted an invitation to an ice cream social held by collegians at nearby Kappa Sigma Chapter (University of South Florida). It was a lovely way for alumnae members to get to know local collegiate members.

Treasure Coast Florida

Members supported breast cancer survivors by “sashing” them before the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk, giving them swag and providing a survivors’ breakfast donated by Panera Bread.

Atlanta Alpha Georgia

Twenty-four members of the chapter joined with Project Mail Call to pack 14 care boxes that weighed a total of 197 pounds to be mailed to U.S. troops in Djibouti, Iraq, Kuwait and Poland and to Marines aboard the USS Makin County.

[6] Atlanta Themis Georgia

Sisters met at the bookstore, Read Shop by The Merchant, for their book club discussion of “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. It was interesting learning more about Korean culture, food and traditions. The book club discussion centered around how grief transcends all ethnicities, and individuals will grieve in a way comfortable to them and in their own timeline.

Augusta Georgia

In October, chapter members gathered at a local park to prepare goodie bags for the kids at Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Sisters brought a bag of candy, small toys or new Halloween costumes ranging in sizes infant to 2XL to donate to the patients.

DeKalb County Georgia

Chapter members attended the Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic Association Fall Open House that was held at Alpha Delta Pi headquarters in Atlanta to honor past AAPA presidents. Everyone enjoyed getting to see ADPi’s artifacts and all the historical displays.

Gwinnett County of Georgia

A local boutique in downtown Duluth, Georgia, held a fashion show fundraiser for Northside Hospital Cancer Institute to raise money and awareness for breast cancer education. Breast cancer survivors were the models. Chapter

members supported a sister who walked the runway. The emcee highlighted each model’s story, and it was truly an uplifting evening.

Macon Georgia

The chapter adopted three local families through the Project Giving program. Sixteen members bought gifts and food, and 19 members donated money to be used to purchase gifts and food gift cards. They were able to provide a happy holiday for 11 children and three caretakers.

Southern Atlanta West Georgia

Sisters joined the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build in the spring to construct a shed for a single parent in need in the area. They also raised money for the project. Manual labor feels great when it helps someone who needs it.

[7] Statesboro Georgia

Members joined with Zeta Xi Chapter’s (Georgia Southern University) annual strawberry sale to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness and to fund a scholarship designated for a member of Zeta Xi. The day of the event, alumnae worked alongside the collegians to ensure a smooth pick up of thousands of flats of strawberries.

Chicago West Suburban Illinois

Alumnae celebrated Valentine’s Day in the most refreshing way possible: tossing axes and throwing out exes. While learning how to throw axes, they laughed and bonded by sharing stories of their exes. Grinding an axe can be incredibly healing.

St. Charles, Missouri, neighborhood. Two sisters were also awarded the Certificate of Merit.

Evansville Indiana

[8]

City of Chicago Illinois

These members hosted a Friendsgiving potluck that served as a recruitment event. Each attendee brought a familyfavorite dish to share, and everyone enjoyed an evening celebrating friendship before the busy holiday season started.

[9] Decatur Illinois

Sisters met to celebrate Fredabel “Freddie” Stalain Smith’s (Tau Chapter, Milikin University) 99th birthday in Effingham, Illinois. They met for lunch and gave Freddie gifts, then visited her home where she gave them adorable jars with handmade ZTA counted cross-stitch lids. They also looked at some of her ZTA and university memories and heard stories of sorority life in the 1940s before she left school to join the war effort.

St. Louis Metro-East Illinois

The chapter’s District President joined sisters for a fun lesson at a local candle making studio. They chose the scents and containers and mixed their own candles. Afterward, they enjoyed lunch and shopping in the historic

This chapter’s primary annual fundraiser is finals goody bags. Alumnae members purchase or donate items to be added to the bags, and collegiate members’ parents purchase the bags for $25 each to provide their collegian a boost to get through finals.

Des Moines Iowa

Once a year, sisters from this chapter host an event for members and their spouses to attend. This year, they tried axe throwing. It was a new activity for most attendees and what a fun night learning the basics. There was a heated contest between the Zetas and the spouses. The group even got a lesson in trick shots.

Topeka Kansas

Members sponsored a dinner during Alpha Mu Chapter’s (Washburn University) Work Week. Due to COVID-19 and the closure of the house, most of the collegiate women had never participated or seen a formal dinner. Alumnae officers catered, cooked, prepped, plated and served dinner to the collegians. The women learned table etiquette from their General Advisor and got to see proper serving from the officers. This was a great kick-off to the year for both chapters.

[10] Lexington

Kentucky

In January, these sisters lived The Creed line of “thinking in terms of all mankind and our service to the world” by putting together 150 lunch bags for the Catholic Action Center. They also collected gloves, hats, socks and sleeping bags for the center. The lunch bags and donated items were delivered on Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

Northshore Louisiana

During Christmas, members spent time enjoying each other’s company and exchanging gifts at the chapter’s annual holiday party. Friendship and festivities can only mean one thing: fun with other Zetas.

[11] Frederick Maryland

Sisters supported the beautification of downtown Frederick with the Downtown Frederick Partnership this past spring by participating in Bring A Broom Saturday. Sisters created and planted flower planters in front of various downtown businesses.

Northern Maryland

A group of Zetas from this chapter gathered to celebrate the founding of ZTA. Members also gathered gently used purses for the Purse Project Network. The Purse Project assists women in need with purses and personal hygiene items.

Silver Spring Maryland

These Zetas enjoyed an autumn afternoon at a local vineyard to catch up

over a delicious lunch. While there, they enjoyed fellowship, live music and celebrated their recent successful Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk.

Ann Arbor Michigan

Alumnae bought or made valentines for hospitalized veterans in the Saginaw VA Hospital. One alumna is a teacher, and her class and other students helped with this service project. Another alumna had a teacher relative who had students also do this project. Approximately 900 valentines were donated to the hospital.

Greater Lansing Michigan

For the pilot session of this chapter’s Zeta Advantage alumnae-collegiate connections opportunity, members held a one-hour Zoom workshop focusing on how to ask for what you want. There was a lot of interaction among Beta Phi (Michigan State University) collegians and alumnae in breakout rooms as they used exercises to build confidence and skills.

[12] Twin Cities Minnesota

ZTA sisters met for the annual Zeta Day luncheon. Those who attended enjoyed great conversation, food, raffle prizes and recognizing the accomplishments of the Fraternity and local sisters throughout the past year. At the end of the event, sisters got to take home a floral bouquet from the build-your-ownbouquet bar.

Greater Oxford

Mississippi

The annual Alabama/Mississippi ZTA Day was held at the Pearl River Resort on Choctaw Nation land in Philadelphia, Mississippi. During the morning, Choctaw Princess Cadence Nickey spoke to attendees about the Choctaw Nation and the process of becoming a Choctaw princess.

[13] Greater Kansas City

Missouri

On the day before the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, these sisters needed a distraction. They celebrated Galentine’s Day by exchanging things they each love. Every member brought five of a small item she loves--like Chapstick, puzzle books, hair scrunchies and candles--and exchanged them with sisters in five rotations. It was like speeddating or recruitment bump groups, only with gifts to take home.

St. Louis

Missouri

Members recently collected new pillows to be donated to Home Sweet Home. The mission of Home Sweet Home is to give underserved families a sense of pride and to improve the quality of their lives by providing basic household furnishings.

[14] Lincoln

Nebraska

Sisters celebrated the decades of service Kris Zender Peterson (Beta Eta Chapter, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) provided the Lincoln, NE Chapter as Treasurer. Kris passed away March 23, 2023, at the age of 74. She was a 50-plus

year member and Certificate of Merit recipient. Twenty-five sisters from several states attended the memorial service.

[15] Mercer-Bucks

New Jersey

Pancakes and Pajamas was a new event for this chapter where sisters were served breakfast for dinner in their coziest PJs. Members even brought their kids in pajamas. The chapter President made everyone pancakes and bacon, and sisters added their own toppings. There were other delicious breakfast goodies, too. Everyone had a blast catching up with each other in such a comfortable atmosphere.

Northern New Jersey

Collegiate and alumnae chapters in New Jersey and New York City included a service project into their Zeta Day 2023 agenda: a letter-writing campaign to women currently battling breast cancer. In partnership with Girls Love Mail, the NJ and NYC Zetas handwrote more than 350 letters of encouragement, support and inspiration to women who need it most.

Southern New Jersey

These chapter members held an inaugural fundraising event called CrownSource. A portion of sales was donated to the ZTA Foundation, and the chapter was able to raise money while supporting women-owned businesses.

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Collegiate and alumnae sisters and their mothers were invited to share in sisterhood and learn about the Albuquerque, NM Chapter during a brunch. This year, they had 10 collegians from five chapters, along with their mothers, attend.

Rochester

New York

Members gathered at the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester to prepare and serve dinner to the families staying while their children were in the hospital. This has been a favorite service event

of members over the years. Sisters had a great time bonding while cooking a delicious meal.

Fayetteville-Pembroke

North Carolina

Sisters of the chapter volunteered with Eta Sigma (The University of North Carolina at Pembroke) members at the school’s Annual Spring Pow-Wow. Alumnae passed out Think Pink® ribbons and bottles of water and spoke to women about the importance of breast cancer education and awareness. Afterward, sisters participated in and attended the pow-wow to watch their fellow Native American sisters and friends honor their culture.

[16] Greater Charlotte

North Carolina

Laughter was the order of the day for these sisters on a recent Charlotte Comedy City Tour. The bus tour guide and comedian took them on a hilarious but educational private tour where they learned and laughed all while engaging with the unique sights and sounds of the city. Members had a great time during this out-of-the-ordinary event.

Greenville

North Carolina

Zeta Love, and Mine, is Forever. Each year, this chapter creates hundreds of homemade valentines for a local retirement village, where a 75-year ZTA White Violet member lives. This activity let sisters relive their youth by making valentines while reaching those who needed a little extra love.

Hickory-Morganton

North Carolina

Members cleaned out their business casual clothes from their closets and took them to sisters of Delta Omicron Chapter (Lenoir-Rhyne University) to use for interviews, internships, first jobs, etc. The items that were not taken by the collegians were donated to the local women’s shelter.

High Country North Carolina

The High Country, NC Chapter was officially installed as a chapter along with its officers. Members of the Hickory, NC Chapter installed the chapter and its officers. Members of Lambda Kappa Chapter (Appalachian State University) were also present. This three-in-one event included two ritual services, a sisterhood celebration and an alumnae-collegian collaboration.

Research Triangle

North Carolina

Members kicked off the 2022-2023 year by hosting a recruitment event for new and returning members. They held a meet and greet, socialized and had their general meeting. Sisters introduced officers, discussed dues and ways to pay, goals for the year, and announced the calendar for upcoming events.

[17] Akron Ohio

Zeta Day 2023 was a way for the chapter to give back to Harvest Home, which helps women and children in need. Sisters brought items to donate to Harvest Home, and they sold raffle tickets to members for baskets brought in to benefit the ZTA Foundation.

Cincinnati Crown Ohio

Members took a trip to Carmel, Indiana, to tour International Office. Archivist Patti Cords Levitte conducted a wonderful tour of the ZTA headquarters and taught the sisters a lot about ZTA’s rich history. They also shopped while they were in town.

Cleveland-West Ohio

Alumnae and their families gathered at Red Wagon Farm last summer for an afternoon of strawberry picking. Sisters and families, like strawberries, are sweeter when they’re shared.

[18] Dayton

Ohio

Members recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Eta Pi Chapter (Wright State University). That weekend, 134 Zetas came together for the luncheon, Order of the Shield Ceremony and presentations from local alumnae and guest speaker, Foundation Director Sherry Server Tilley. Sisterhood was so strong as members danced and took pictures at this wonderful reunion.

Youngstown Ohio

The ZTA Pink Ribbon Dueling Piano night consisted of two grand pianos, a drummer, three charismatic and hilarious entertainers, and a Youngstown audience that laughed and danced into the night, all for the ZTA Foundation. The night also included a basket and reverse raffle, 50/50 and delicious food.

Oklahoma City

Members of the chapter partnered with Project 31, a nonprofit for breast cancer survivors and those still fighting their battles. They provide support groups, fundraising events, celebrations of remission and fun nights out. At this year’s ‘80s-themed gala, sisters welcomed guests, staffed check-in and ran the ticket sales for the silent auction.

[19]

Tulsa

Oklahoma

Sisters attended the annual Women of the Year Luncheon at the Tulsa Country Club. Hosted by the Tulsa Panhellenic Chapter, this event allowed each of the 17 organizations present to recognize a member who has made a positive impact on its sorority and community. Dr. Marla Robinson (Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Oklahoma State University) was chosen to represent ZTA as its Woman of the Year.

[20]

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania

This chapter reestablished nearly 100 years of legacy, proving Zeta Is Forever. At a happy hour event, the Harrisburg

alumnae reorganized their chapter following a brief hiatus and elected new Executive Committee officers. The chapter was originally established on Feb. 23, 1927.

Lancaster

Pennsylvania

These alumnae chapter sisters assisted Harrisburg-area members in a kick-off at SpringGate Vineyard to reach out to local alumnae as the Harrisburg, PA Chapter reestablished itself in 2023. The District President welcomed the chapter’s new members as they renewed friendships and created new bonds of sisterhood.

Coastal Islands of South Carolina

Members of this chapter participated in a service project to support troops deployed overseas. Alumnae donated items and helped pack the care packages with the items and letters.

[21] Columbia

South Carolina

Sisters were able to attend the University of South Carolina Pink Ribbon Basketball Game to watch the Lady Gamecocks take on Louisiana State University. They sat in the box belonging to sister Patti Thomas Shelly (Eta Epsilon, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania), where they were able to mingle, see the game and cheer the Gamecocks on to victory.

Greenwood

South Carolina

Alumnae met at Ernesto’s Restaurant for a ZTA Fiesta. They invited graduating seniors from Iota Omicron Chapter (Lander University) and Kappa Beta Chapter (Presbyterian College) to attend. They encouraged all seniors to join an alumnae chapter, wherever they move after graduation. During the fiesta fun, they discussed their upcoming Think Pink® service projects and summer movie night.

Pee Dee Area

South Carolina

The ladies of this chapter held a percent day at Bean Bar, a local coffee shop in Florence, South Carolina. Sisters of all ages in the Pee Dee area showed up throughout the day to support ZTA and its philanthropy. Sisters also passed out ribbons and shared information on breast cancer education and awareness with the community. Ten percent of all proceeds were donated to ZTA Foundation.

Knoxville

Tennessee

Last December, members gathered for the annual holiday ornament exchange at a restaurant in downtown Knoxville. They read “The Night Before Christmas” and passed a wrapped ornament around the table. To end brunch, they met with Santa, who tried to decipher who was naughty and nice.

[22] Murfreesboro

Tennessee

With the cost of groceries going up so much, sisters discovered certain “blessing boxes” in Murfreesboro were highly in need. At their spring kick-off event, 11 sisters donated non-perishable food items and delivered them to three different blessing boxes around town.

Nashville

Tennessee

The chapter joined Lambda Iota Chapter (Vanderbilt University) seniors to collect food bank donations and gave the items to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. They collected over $300 worth of donations for this important cause.

Austin

Texas

What is a holiday season without a Friendsgiving? Last November, sisters had a potluck at a member’s residence. They brought their favorite dishes and also dished on what they were thankful for that year. It was a fun way to show thankfulness for sisters.

[23] Central Texas

Sisters of this chapter kicked off their year at the Baylor Club in Waco, Texas. Along with their general meeting, they collected school supplies for the La Vega Independent School District. It was a fun night of sisterhood and service.

Cypress

Texas

These sisters spent an evening creating one-of-a-kind chalk art projects through Chalk Couture. There was an Easter basket full of fun treats with three golden tickets in the eggs for special prizes, and each sister got to show off their craftiness. Sisters left with their masterpiece creations, ranging from chalk board signs to changeable framed boards.

Dallas Area Night Alumnae Texas

Alumnae took a road trip to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum with their sisters from the Dallas, TX Association Chapter and the Collin County, TX Chapter. They had lunch afterward and discussed what they learned in the museum.

Dallas, TX Association

Members met at the Hall of State in Fair Park to view the Battle of the Alamo diorama. The group was able to view many scenes that brought to life every aspect of the historic battle. After touring this impressive exhibit, sisters enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant.

[24] Ft. Worth Texas

Alumnae joined the Gamma Psi (Texas Christian University) 1967 pledge class and several Collin County alumnae for a mini-reunion and tour of the TCU ZTA house. It was an extraordinary time of sisterhood and bonding with their collegiate sisters, and they ended

their trip down memory lane by singing “The Call” outside the chapter house. It was genuinely touching and a moment they’ll never forget. They are forever sisters and always Steadfast & Strong.

Houston Northwest Texas

In November, members met at the local HEB Supermarket. Members divided into three teams and were given a list of HEBbranded items requested by the Tomball Food Pantry. After donning appropriate team attire, the teams raced through the grocery store to collect items Supermarket Sweep-style. At the end of the day, over 60 items were donated to the Tomball Food Pantry.

Humble/Kingwood Texas

Alumnae celebrated sisterhood at their Galentine’s Day party in February, complete with resident sommelier and sister Jeannie Jones Bub (Delta Zeta, Sam Houston State University) and her excellent information on tasting notes and pairings. They laughed, shared memories of their ZTA past and celebrated their sisterhood.

Huntsville

Texas

The chapter hosted the second annual Celebration of Hope: Think Pink® Brunch and Fashion Show to honor breast cancer survivors. This event also included a raffle, silent auction and a presentation from a board-certified oncologist from MD Anderson Cancer Center.

[25] Midland Texas

With a total of 30 women in attendance at The Midland Racquet Club throughout the evening, the chapter happily celebrated its 75th anniversary. They enjoyed seeing the chapter’s President receive her White Violet pin from a pledge sister who is also the chapter’s Vice President Membership. The District President drove from out of town to join them. It was truly a spectacular reminder that Zeta Is Forever.

Nasa-Brazoria County Texas

Sisters gathered to work and complete a jigsaw puzzle within the meeting time. Goal accomplished! Members also brought their previously used jigsaw puzzles to exchange with each other at the end of the gathering. They had the opportunity to purchase a sister’s newly released book, too. She signed copies for members.

Odessa Texas

Alumnae hosted their annual Christmas luncheon last December. They gathered to celebrate the holidays and to collect yearly toiletry donations for Safe Place, a local women’s shelter where the chapter’s current Treasurer works. They enjoyed catching up with everyone and learning what ZTA life is like for collegiate members who joined during COVID-19.

San Antonio

Texas

Sisters got rodeo ready at their Cowboy Hats and Crown event. Cowgirls were treated to a meal and a Kappa Chapter (The University of Texas at Austin) graduate taught everyone everything they needed to know about cowboy hats, including quality, fit and designing their own style.

Top of Texas, Canyon

Crowned for Christmas was an activity for all members to participate in during December. A small gift was left by a ZTA elf on an alumna’s doorstep with instructions to deliver to the next alumna in line. Pictures were uploaded on GroupMe for all to see each other’s gifts. Out-of-town alumnae were mailed a small token with a thank you.

Charlottesville Virginia

Alumnae participated in the Run For Life 5K in April. The sisters have supported this event for 28 years because they feel it’s such a great cause. Sisters helping others is always a fantastic way to spend the day.

Fredericksburg

Virginia

Savvy shopping sisters of this chapter brought their ZTA energy to shop fall school sales to purchase much-needed school supplies for local schools and teachers. Pencils, pens, notebooks and paper were among items donated, which were greatly appreciated by the teachers.

[26]

Northern Virginia

This chapter and Western Fairfax, VA Chapter welcomed the seniors of Theta Chi Chapter (George Mason University) to the alumnae world with a wonderful and thoughtful senior ceremony. It’s great when alumnae are able to welcome collegians into the alumnae world.

[27] Virginia Peninsula

Members of this chapter helped Nancy, a woman from the Williamsburg community who was transitioning into an adult independent living facility. They assisted her in going through each room and packing her items for the move and prepping items for an estate sale. They organized and ran the estate sale for her. She surprised them with a donation to the ZTA Foundation on the chapter’s behalf.

Western Fairfax Virginia

On an unseasonably warm November afternoon last year, six sisters spent the afternoon at Pinot’s Palette while an instructor guided them through painting their own snowman. They put their own special touches on their festive masterpieces, and they came out great.

[29] Washington, D.C.

The sisters who volunteered at the Wreaths Across America event last December wore ZTA letters to promote Zeta Tau Alpha as part of the many organizations that were present to lay wreaths on the soldiers’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

Buckhannon

West Virginia

Members celebrated 50 years since the chapter’s original charter in 1972. The chapter was approved for charter in time to send an official delegate to the 1972 Convention. The chapter recognized its milestone at Delta Upsilon Chapter’s (West Virginia Wesleyan College) Alumnae Tea event during Homecoming Weekend last October. The celebration was combined with the presentation of President’s Cup to Delta Upsilon by university President Dr. James Moore and Director of Greek Life John Bohman.

ZTAlways

[28]

Seattle Washington

The Seattle alumnae Bookwormz Crown Connection met for brunch at the Washington Athletic Club Cafe to discuss the book “A Gentleman in Moscow,” which also kicked off their year of the theme Reading Around the World.

Virtual chapter members and alumnae in Michigan teamed up for a conversation about identity and inclusion, using ZTA’s “Seeking Understanding: Personal and Social Identity” workshop. Participants considered the complexity of visible and invisible identities and the relationship between personal and social identities. The intention of the program was to begin a conversation and encourage selfreflection in a welcoming space as sisters continue to seek understanding.

FROM ZTA BADGE TO Police Badge

By Lisa Perry, Contributing Writer

When Connie Koski (Zeta Omega Chapter, Ferris State University) graduated in 1990, she supplemented her treasured ZTA badge with a police badge. Saying she went on to work 16 intense years in law enforcement doesn’t begin to cover the spectrum of experiences she faced in her career. But her gritty police work morphed into the desire to educate and

Today Connie is able to relish a well-earned, more tranquil life. For this gogetter, tranquility doesn’t mean slowing down. She’s teaching college classes, co-writing textbooks, doing research and, a bonus—raising adorable goats in South Dakota. “I’m always operating outside my comfort zone,” she says.

Connie’s police career in Ypsilanti, Michigan, included a spectrum of hard-core, hands-on roles: patrol, major crimes detective, crime scene and evidence technician and accident reconstructionist. She also worked as a community outreach officer and recruitment team member. Why police work? Credit “Cagney and Lacey,” a 1980s police detective TV show.

Ypsilanti, on the I-90 corridor between Detroit and Chicago, was a “miniDetroit” to Connie with its mix of university students, automobile plant workers, low-income housing and affluent neighborhoods. Crimes included homicides, gang wars and drive-by shootings. “You could experience all the things that might have intrigued a young person to go into

policing,” she says. On the flip side, the role puts officers in front of rude and disrespectful people. “If I had a dollar for every time someone said, ‘Shut the eff up and get a real job, you (@$%!).’ You just had to have the courage to say, ‘That’s not acceptable in my presence.’”

Connie was a first responder going into terrible situations “all the time.” The constant mantra among officers was: We see things so you don’t have to. But one tragic shooting involving a child was especially impactful. She describes in detail investigating the scene and taking steps to

help a family member who discovered the victims. Eventually, Connie went home. “There’s something really surreal about standing in the safety and sanctity of your own home after someone has experienced a horrible life tragedy,” she says and then abruptly stops. “I didn’t think it would be emotional to talk about after all this time.” She then quickly lists a number of grisly crime scenes she investigated. “None of that really hit me until this particular incident,” she says. “That was the first time in my career I consciously realized what post-traumatic stress disorder is. The public has no idea what we see.”

Connie believes female police officers in the early 1990s faced extra hurdles. Before graduation, she asked for job-hunting advice from a small-town police chief who said, “You don’t really have to worry, because you’re a woman. They want you for diversity requirements.” At a police retirement party, a male co-worker asked a female officer to place her small hand up against his large one. He said, “That’s why women shouldn’t be police officers.”

While still on the police force, Connie inadvertently taught her first semesterlong, community college course in criminal justice. A colleague asked her to take his place because he didn’t like the class schedule. She had visited his classes as a speaker, so, master’s degree in hand, she accepted just

days before the first class with no syllabus, textbook or outright experience in place. The result? She became completely enamored with teaching. Connie earned her doctorate degree and, ironically, her first tenuretrack job was teaching at Longwood University, a place she loved even beyond its ZTA roots.

In 2019, Connie moved from Virginia with her wife, Anita, to work at Oglala Lakota College in South Dakota. The couple own a goat farm together, and when they began making soap with goat milk, Grubby Goat Soap was born. Anita oversees the farm and Connie the business side. She helps with baby goats during kidding season, and both owners constantly provide hugs and smooches to the herd. The loveable goats and their antics inspired Connie to create a Facebook page that chronicles fanciful goat adventures (Facebook.com/ TinkerBelleTheGoat22).

Former ZTA National President Becky Kirwan, who was a mentor for Zeta Omega when Connie was chapter president and when Connie was an advisor, is a fan of goats and follows the herd on Facebook. Connie cherishes their longtime connection and speaks with gratitude about the thoughtful leadership wisdom Mrs. Kirwan shared with her. Connie has incorporated it ever since and passes it on to her students.

“Find a mentor,” she says, “for whatever you want to do in life.”

Collegiate

Alpha Eta University of Cincinnati

Members are incredibly grateful for the women in their lives and loved celebrating with them during Women’s Weekend. Sisters invited these important women to the chapter house for brunch, a speaker on breast cancer and a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo.

Alpha Nu

Birmingham-Southern College

The campus’ fraternity/sorority life community dedicated a week of service in support of local non-profit organizations. The diverse events gave ZTA members the opportunity to partner with other chapters to give their time diligently to help those in need and ensure change in the Birmingham area.

Alpha Omicron

The University of Iowa

The chapter created new bonds during a fun, carnival-themed chapter retreat, complete with inflatable skee-ball, an ice cream machine, sno-cones, bowling

and more. The time spent together was perfect for strengthening sisterhood and getting to know new members.

[1] Alpha Psi University

of Missouri

The campus Greek Week brotherhood/ sisterhood event was a smashing success. ZTA and partners Theta Chi and Phi Kappa Theta made spirit sticks featuring the chapters’ letters and their Greek Week theme—The Beatles. After crafting, the groups kicked back outside with grilled hot dogs and yard games.

Beta Gamma

Florida State University

This chapter takes pride in supporting members’ mental health through relaxing activities and weekly reminders. At chapter meetings, the Mental Health Committee suggests on- and off-campus resources. Each Wednesday, the committee posts an encouraging affirmation online. Other activities include card making, podcasts and covering the bathroom mirrors with positive notes.

[2] Beta Delta Miami University

The chapter held a sisterhood event at a local drive-in movie theater. Sisters watched “Legally Blonde” on the big screen, ate snacks and wore ZTA gear for taking pictures and upcoming videos.

[3] Beta Theta Franklin College

Dog Dash is an annual 5K walk/run this chapter started in 2016. Community members attend with their dogs, and the dogs particpate in an obstacle course, puppy paintings and raffles. Sisters raised $1,700 toward breast cancer education and awareness.

Beta Iota

Centenary College of Louisiana

Members went all in to participate in the school’s homecoming week contests, including chalk drawing and window painting, gumbo and cookie cookoff, and the banner competition. With participation from all chapter sisters, ZTA earned the coveted Overall Winner designation.

Beta Phi

Michigan State University

During its Think Pink® Week, the chapter launched a new project they called chemo baskets. All members collected and donated supplies that could help make the chemo process more bearable for patients at Sparrow Hospital. They assembled the items into beautiful baskets and hand-delivered them to the patients.

Beta Omega Union University

The university’s annual variety show is a traditional favorite for the six fraternity/sorority life organizations. The Zetas performed a Good Morning Show-type skit through song and dance with sports, weather and breaking news sections and took home the prize for best overall performance and best costumes.

Gamma Alpha

University of Miami

This chapter organized a private group spin class at a local fitness studio. The participating members achieved a great workout while bonding and creating memories with sisters and new members.

[4] Gamma Gamma

The University of Texas at El Paso

Big Man on Campus is a successful fundraising event for this chapter. Contestants participate in multiple events, including evening wear, Miner

Pride, talent and answering questions about ZTA and its philanthropy. Ticket sales, entry fees and dollar votes for contestants all provide funds for the ZTA Foundation.

Gamma Zeta

Mississippi State University

One of the chapter’s favorite sisterhood events last year combined crafts and treats. New and initiated members painted cute tote bags while catching up and getting to know each other. After using their creativity, everyone enjoyed yummy sno-cones.

[5] Gamma Pi

University of Georgia

A fancy night out on the town is a favorite tradition for this chapter. Members put on their best dresses for the annual Crown Ball and receive a light-up stick as they enter the venue. Everyone enjoyed the great company of sisters while dancing and singing to a live band.

Gamma Omicron

Central Michigan University

What’s better than cupcakes? How about decorating cupcakes with your sisters and potential new members? This delicious and creative sisterhood activity was also a successful Continuous Open Bidding event for the chapter during spring semester.

[6] Gamma Psi

Texas Christian University

The chapter partnered with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and hosted its biggest sisterhood event yet! Members put on their cowboy hats and boots and enjoyed a night of the Western culture of Fort Worth. Sisters of all ages bonded as they watched bull riding, horse shows and livestock. This sisterhood event was a huge success and the members are looking forward to doing it again soon.

Delta Beta

Florida Southern College

Bid Day is always one of the best days, and this chapter made it awesome with food and fun. The 21 new members joined with chapter members to eat delicious chicken and cookies. A friendly game of baseball matched the Bid Day theme, which was New Member Class 23 is a Real Catch.

Delta Zeta

Sam Houston State University

A colorful bonding tradition is the Touch-A-Sister sisterhood. Members meet in a park wearing white T-shirts and armed with paint and paintbrushes. The Director of Sisterhood calls out a prompt, such as “touch a sister who shows leadership.” Members put a touch of paint on other sisters, and everyone leaves with a colorful shirt and a reminder of ZTA’s Nine Key Values.

Delta Kappa

Louisiana State University

These Zetas put a touch of creativity into their events. At a Continuous Open Bidding brunch, members and potential new members made bouquets and cards for breast cancer patients. The chapter welcomed its spring new members with painting and dancing. Sisters also decorated graduation caps for seniors as a special gift.

[7] Delta Iota

Pennsylvania Western University Clarion

These ladies ended their semester in style. The Director of Social Events planned an amazing formal event complete with a red carpet, fabulous food and lots of dancing. Everyone appreciated the fun theme and wonderful celebration.

Delta Mu

The University of Tennessee at Martin Sisters hosted a FRED-based Kahoot to educate members on ZTA history and share fun facts about the Founders. The FRED Chair also gave historical facts about ZTA, specifically that ZTA absorbed Beta Sigma Omicron in 1964.

Delta Omicron

Lenoir-Rhyne University

The chapter was excited to grow by one sister with the initiation of its new member this semester. Whether 100 sisters or one sister, Ritual is a special time to bring everyone together and share Zeta Love.

Delta Pi

Eastern New Mexico University

Members shared breast cancer education and awareness with their community and raised money for the Foundation during several sporting events. They passed out Think Pink® ribbons and sold brownies during a football game, sold 50/50 raffle tickets during a volleyball game, and sold brownies and 50/50 raffle tickets during a basketball game.

[8] Delta Sigma

Lamar University

This chapter hosted a Mother’s Tea during the fall semester. The event

featured painted flowerpots, matching permanent jewelry and ZTA mother’s pins. While all the mothers and daughters enjoyed the day, it was a special treat for two members whose mothers are alumnae.

[9] Delta Psi

Samford University

Sisters hosted a breakfast and pajamas new member retreat, which was a huge success and was themed around “dreams of ZTA.” Guests enjoyed a catered IHOP breakfast and then they chose three different bonding activities. They could paint canvases, make bracelets and jewelry, or write each other sweet notes encouraging perseverance through the school year.

Zeta Beta

Thiel College

The school’s homecoming theme this year was the Olympics and USA. The chapter enjoyed partnering with Kappa Sigma Fraternity to create a parade float that showed pride for their own organizations, their school and their country.

Zeta Gamma

Youngstown State University

The Crown Classic Volleyball Tournament attracted more than 90 participants to raise funds for the ZTA Foundations’ efforts in breast cancer education and awareness. The chapter organized the successful competition for teams of six players who worked their way through the bracket.

[10] Zeta Theta

East Central University

Sisters competed in East Central’s first ever Powderpuff tournament. They competed in two games, with many Zetas on the sideline to cheer them on. It was a fun new experience for members.

[11] Zeta Nu

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Current chapter members hosted the Second Annual Alumnae Brunch in April. The collegians welcomed back sisters from the 1970s, 1990s and 2000s who

reminisced about the chapter’s history and played a ZTA trivia game. After lunch, the Harrisburg, PA Chapter held the Alumna Initiation Service for five outgoing seniors.

[12] Eta Gamma

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

The chapter celebrated the influential women in their lives at a brunch. Sisters invited parents, guardians, family and friends to show their appreciation to those who made an impact on their lives. After brunch, sisters and guests made flower bouquets.

Eta Alpha

Georgia Southwestern State University

Chapter members who are part of the student ambassador team helped host the university’s inaugural Gold Force Gala. This fundraiser for scholarships included a silent auction and alumni recognition. Eta Alpha Chapter alumnae, Cheryl and Maggie Fletcher, received the Family Legacy Award for their years of support for Georgia Southwestern.

Eta Mu

Augusta University

The chapter’s Director of Membership Enrichment enlightened the chapter with educational and fun programming. She presented a program on acceptance and inclusive language during Autism Acceptance Month. One of her FRED facts included the history of the oldest-known crown. A program on strawberries became a sisterhood event to make chocolate-covered strawberries.

[13] Eta Rho

The University of North Alabama

Sisters gathered at a local venue, Pickett on Court, to build a ZTA bear. Each bear came with its own strawberry shirt and birth certificate. Sisters enjoyed this sisterhood retreat while socializing with each other and creating new memories to last a lifetime.

Eta Upsilon

Missouri Southern State University

Members invited their parents to spend a day experiencing ZTA on campus. The chapter provided lunch and outdoor

games like corn hole and giant Jenga for a fun bonding activity. The Zetas appreciated how sweet it is to be loved by their families.

Theta Delta

Salisbury University

A Feel Good sisterhood event brought members closer together. Each member had a paper with her name at the top. Members wrote compliments on each other’s papers. The activity was a reminder of the importance of giving compliments face-to-face and not taking for granted the positive aspects of each member.

Theta Eta

Stephen F. Austin State University

The chapter celebrated Galentine’s Day by playing a valentine-themed game of Family Feud in teams of four. It was a great opportunity for sisters to bond with sisters whom they do not see regularly and to show all members they are loved and valued.

Theta Chi

George Mason University

The chapter celebrated Founders’ Day with the traditional service. As members read the descriptions of our Founders, the chapter appreciated the time to thank the nine young women who created the sisterhood that has given each of us so much.

Theta Omega

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

A recruitment workshop filled a weekend with all things ZTA. Members participated in activities to promote conversation and values-based recruitment. They shared stories to help better connect with each other and strengthen sisterhood. Sisters were encouraged to wear pink to honor the people who inspire them to Think Pink®.

[14] Iota Delta Towson University

Members participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days philanthropy fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. After competing in flag football, trivia, tug of war and a fashion show, and throwing

pies in members’ faces, ZTA raised more money than the other sororities. As the champion, the chapter received $600 from Sigma Chi for the ZTA Foundation.

[15] Iota Eta

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Aloha! This chapter thoroughly enjoyed attending the Pure Aloha Festival together. The event was a celebration of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture, music and cuisine and a wonderful way to learn more about our diverse membership.

Iota Nu

Susquehanna University

Collegians partnered with local alumnae chapter officers to honor the chapter’s graduating seniors. The sisters provided delicious refreshments, thoughtful gifts and a slide show of memories and messages to celebrate the class of 2023’s transition into the ZTA alumnae world.

Iota Pi

University of Dayton

Ohio Zeta Day in Akron was more than just a road trip for this chapter’s Executive Committee. While the officers soaked up leadership tips from presentations, the greatest benefit was meeting collegiate and alumnae sisters from across the state and growing the love and sisterhood within EC.

[16] Kappa Zeta Clemson University

These ladies looked tanned and fabulous at their spring semi-formal, thanks to a member who owns a spray tan company and gave her time and a major discount to her sisters. This event was a wonderful opportunity to prepare for a party and support a sister’s business.

Kappa Lambda

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Dressing up for an end-of-year formal social event is a great way to celebrate all the hard work of the chapter. In addition to dinner and dancing, chapter sisters included superlatives at their formal to commemorate members’ achievements.

[17] Kappa Mu Linfield University

Members took a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm for springtime sisterhood bonding. Sisters saw beautiful flowers, took a million pictures, ate delicious food and purchased wooden shoes. Everyone always enjoys this annual event, and they look forward to doing it again.

Kappa Rho

University of South Carolina Upstate

The theme, Our New Members are What Dreams are Made of, made for a fun sisterhood event. Everyone was encouraged to wear their PJs and enjoy a catered meal from Chipotle.

The university’s Director of Students was the special guest who talked about how to get more involved on campus.

Kappa Sigma

University of South Florida

Food always brings Zetas together, as it did for this chapter’s alumnae-collegiate ice cream social. Collegians and alumnae enjoyed delicious ice cream while sharing ZTA experiences and building relationships across decades.

Kappa Phi

Christopher Newport University

Spring is a great time to organize a sisterhood retreat. In April, members gathered at a local park for sisterhood and crafts. Everyone left the fun event with paintings on canvas, decorated flowers pots and friendship bracelets.

Kappa Chi

Shorter University

This chapter joined with Omicron Chapter (Brenau University) for a combined Noble Workshop. Facilitated by a Leadership Consultant, the event included recruitment conversation tips, discussion of the Nine Key Values and a sisterhood activity. Members enjoyed the intermingling to gain new perspectives.

[18] Kappa Psi

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

For the third year in a row, this chapter finished first in the campus Greek Week celebration. The chapter earned the most points in Instagram challenges, sports activities, a bake off and the largest event, Greek Sing, that must include dancing, skits and a lip sync.

Lambda Gamma

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Boots and Bling was the theme for a spring semester date night for this chapter. Sisters and dates dressed in Western/cowgirl fashion to enjoy a great night filled with country line dancing, mechanical bull riding and barbeque.

Lambda Theta

New York University

Have you ever thrown the crown while hanging upside down? Members of this chapter have. They attended a class in aerial yoga—many for the first time. It proved to be a great way to bond and focus on personal health.

Lambda Kappa

Appalachian State University

Zetas hosted their parents for an evening social event. The party gave members and caregivers the chance to meet each other and learn more about Zeta Tau Alpha and the sisterhood it provides.

[19]

University

These sisters took each other out to the ball game in New York City. A Yankees game was a great way to have fun together, strengthen sisterhood bonds, create lifelong memories and share endless laughs.

[20] Lambda Pi Reinhardt University

The fifth anniversary of the chapter’s installation was the perfect time for a reunion. Collegiate members welcomed alumnae back to campus to celebrate the 254th link in ZTA’s Chain of Chapters Even with time and distance, love is the strongest bond that keeps the sisterhood alive.

Lambda Phi Binghamton University

In preparation for its first Think Pink® Week, sisters held a pink-themed photoshoot to help promote upcoming philanthropy events. Dressed in pink and posing in front of a Think Pink® banner, sisters had lots of fun with music, props and confetti.

Chapter News submissions are changing

Starting with the next winter issue of Themis, we will no longer assign chapters to a specific issue (winter or summer) in which their chapter news will be featured. Chapter News will be in every issue starting with the winter issue, with chapters regularly submitting news for consideration through the existing process in ZetaBase.

Lambda Xi Seton Hall

FIGHTING FIRES sparks inspiration

By Peyton Harris, Contributing Writer

Jordyn Miller has kept a unique pastime for the last six years—working as a volunteer firefighter. Two of her friends were in the cadet program, so teenage Jordyn began to spend a lot of her time with them at the station.

“One of the guys basically told me, ‘Well, if you’re gonna keep showing up, you might as well get on the fire department.’ And then I haven’t really left,” she says. Jordyn credits her interest in firefighting to the department’s camaraderie, calling them her “second family.”

A recent graduate of University of Evansville and member of Zeta Alpha Chapter, Jordyn participates in weekly meetings with the department. Each month, she receives a new task, such as doing inventory

on the trucks or training. When the department has a fire call in the area, she tries to go if her schedule allows it.

One of the most significant challenges Jordyn has faced in her experience is overcoming gender obstacles. She says while her department includes other women and is very respectful, she knows other departments that aren’t as welcoming to women.

“My department’s really good about it, but whenever we do responses with other departments, they kind of look down on us,” she says.

Jordyn sees significant differences between firefighters on television and the actual job in rural Chandler, Indiana. “In the area where I live, it’s not disasters and emergencies

all the time. We get a lot of grass fires. If we do get a structure fire, it’s usually a barn or something like that. And it’s not as common as the movies make it seem,” she says.

One of the greatest benefits of Jordyn’s tenure with the department is the intersection of her studies and volunteering. “Being in that fast-paced emergency medicine situation definitely inspired me to pursue a degree in nursing,” she says. Her county has only a few ambulances, so firefighters must be medically trained to make emergency runs until an ambulance can arrive. Those experiences inspired her desire to work in the emergency room, where she began her nursing career after graduation this past May.

Badges must be ordered through Zeta Tau Alpha International Office.

Plain Single Letter Guard, #0100 |

Chased Single Letter Guard, #0700 |

Plain Double Letter Guard, #0200 |

Chased Double Letter Guard, #0800 | F. Crown Pearl Badge, #0103 | G. Crown Pearl Double Letter Guard, #0600 | H. Treasurer/Vice President Finance Dangle, #04 |

Roomies ZTA

[1] Ashlyn Turner, left, and Victoria Burgess at Gamma Pi’s (The University of Georgia) chapter house in 2021.

[2] Left to right: Jennifer Snively Cassidy, Jennifer Mentzel Matz and Danelle Del Corso after their Zeta Nu (Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania) Initiation in the early 1990s.

[3] Theta Pi Chapter (California State University, Northridge) members at the 1988 Strawberry Madness event. Top row, left to right: Helen Strader Nelson, Natalie Jonke, Lori West Gardner. Bottom row: Kellianne Sprague Hern.