ZETA TAU ALPHA FRED (FRATERNITY EDUCATION) The State of FEBRUARY 2004: DIVINE SECRETS OF THE SISTERHOOD LOUISIANA: STATE FUN FACTS: LOUISIANA &ARKANSAS Note: Information regarding chapter histories is provided from The History of Zeta Tau Alpha by Shirley Kreasan Strout, 1956 Edition, and its supplements. AK LA Nickname Pelican State Capital Baton Rouge Largest City New Orleans Tourist Attractions Louisiana is home to New Orleans, affectionately known as the Big Easy, where you can find everything from voodoo shops to Mardi Gras beads. New Orleans is known for the historic French Quarter, the steamboat Natchez and the Aquarium of the Americas. Travel to Natchitoches (pronounced NAK-ah-tish), the oldest city in Louisiana, and see the setting for the 1989 Julia Roberts film Steel Magnolias, based on actual events and local characters. ΒΙ Beta Iota Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana Link #58 Installed: May 6, 1927 Centenary College has a tradition steeped in Confederate history; indeed, when the Civil War began, every student answered the call to arms, and the college closed on October 7, 1861. A notice read, College closed; all students gone to war. God help the right! When Centenary College reopened in 1868, it played an important role in the South s reconstruction. By 1927, women were well-represented among the student body. Centenary College had several men s fraternities, but Zeta Tau Alpha holds the honor of being the first national women s group established on campus. ΒΙ ΗΩ Omega Chapter and Alice Lee Swain (Winberg) of s Epsilon Chapter, the local group found out about Zeta Tau Alpha and sent a Kappa Pi scrapbook to Grand Chapter (National Council). The local group was paid an official visit by the National Inspector in December 1926, and they received their Zeta Tau Alpha Charter on January 27, 1927. The next months saw many preparations for Initiation. Installation and Initiation occured on May 6, 1927. The young women wrote of this experience, We were deeply impressed with the beautiful and solemn ceremony which made us Beta Iota Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. A garden party and banquet at the home of Margaret Holmes followed the Initiation and Installation. The lawn was decorated with baskets of flowers sent from the other women s and men s fraternities. Congratulatory and sisterly messages also poured in abundantly. BETA IOTA CHAPTER TODAY: Κ Ν for On October 22, 1922, a small group of young women formed Kappa Pi and built a log cabin that became their home. The logs [for the cabin] were taken from the campus and were donated by the [college] president, but the actual building costs were paid by the tireless Kappa Pis. At the end of 1922, the sorority owned its own house and included Sallie Moseley Sexton (the college president s wife) among its membership. Through Elizabeth Burgess of s Beta Iota Chapter was recognized as having the highest Greek GPA on campus this year, and the Centenary College faculty and staff chose member Jennifer Watson as Greek Woman of the Year. The student body then voted chapter member Katie Smith as this year s Greek Goddess. Beta Iota received awards for Crown Chapter and Financial Excellence at the 2003 National Leadership Conference. FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA TAU ALPHA 1 OF 6
CENTENARY COLLEGE OF LOUISIANA FUN FACTS: Established: 1825 Mascot: Ladies & Gents Enrollment: 1,038 students Web site: www.centenary.edu Visit Beta Iota Chapter on the Web: www.centenary.edu/life/zta/ Κ Delta Kappa Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana Link #106 Installed: December 5, 1959 In February 1959, five Zeta transfers to Louisiana State University contacted Carolyn Berry Simpson, the local alumnae representative listed in Themis, with the hopes of bringing Zeta Tau Alpha to their new school. This idea began by Janie Sproles (Sylte) (Gamma Tau), Merle Stokes (Holland) (Alpha Phi), Alice Bostick Moore and Paula Fomby (Reeder) (Beta Iota), and Martha Murphree Fitch (Beta Sigma) resulted in hope for a Colony. Helen B. Gordon, Dean of Women, was helpful in the beginning, and soon the faculty committee officially recognized the Zeta Tau Alpha Colony. The first formal pledging was held in April of 1959, and the Colony, now housed in room number seven in the Panhellenic Building, participated successfully in fall recruitment. National Council made a unique decision regarding Installation: To hold it in two parts. Spring pledges were initiated on December 4, 1959, as charter members of Delta Kappa Chapter. The remaining pledges were initiated over the concluding Installation weekend of February 26, 1960. Dean Gordon hosted a coffee reception before the December Installation Banquet at the Baton Rouge Faculty Club, with garden-like decorations of ivy and camellias. The National Fraternity presented the new Delta Kappa Chapter with a silver tea service, and the Province gave the silver serving tray. The concluding Installation ceremonies over the February 26, 1960, weekend culminated in a luncheon at the Baton Rouge Country Club to honor the alumnae initiates. National President Jeanette Bertram Chapman served as the featured speaker. That evening, the new collegiate initiates, visiting out-of-town mothers, and National Officers were honored at a buffet supper at the home of Ethel Strickland Seese, hosted by mothers of Baton Rouge Zetas. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, a reception at the French House on the LSU campus served to introduce the new sorority to the campus and community. DELTA KAPPA CHAPTER TODAY: Delta Kappa is still dedicated to including parents in sorority life with their Mother-Daughter Tea and their Daddy-Daughter Day, where Zetas and their dads attend an LSU baseball game. The chapter also garnered four silver platters at this year s LSU Greek Achievement Awards: Spirit Award, Philanthropic Excellence, Scholar Award (Sara Exner), and Best Advisor Award (Beverly Denton Choppin). received a gold rating (the highest) on the LSU Greek Assessment, but the chapter still finds time for fun social events, such as their Madhatter Mystery Date, for which the Zetas make hats for their dates. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AT BATON ROUGE FUN FACTS: Established: 1860 Mascot: Fighting Tigers Enrollment: 30,000 Web site: www.lsu.edu Visit Delta Kappa Chapter on the Web: www.lsu.edu/student_organizations/zettaualpha/ Ν Delta Nu University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana Link #109 Installed: October 14, 1961 In May 1959, just nine months after Louisiana State University at New Orleans (now known as the University of New Orleans) opened its doors to freshmen, the local group that would become Delta Nu Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha received a provisional charter. Three New Orleans Zeta alumnae, Nancy Woodward Barnes (Kappa), Marion Moore Todd (Kappa) and Dorothy Segari Mouton (Beta Kappa), visited Dr. Homer L. Hitt, university vice-president, with their idea of forming a Club. Dr. Hitt gave immediate permission. In the spring of 1960, the club petitioned to become a local sorority, according to university policy, and in the spring of 1961, the Committee of Student Organizations gave the local group permission to petition for affiliation. Intensive pledge training took place over the summer, followed by a successful recruitment in September. A team from nearby Delta Kappa and Beta Iota Chapters led the Initiation services. National President Jeanette Bertram Chapman, National Second Vice-President Winifred Smylie FRED FEBRUARY FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA 2004 TAUZETA ALPHA TAU ALPHA 2 OF 6 1 OF 6
Handley, and Province President Marion Covington Ferguson conducted the Installation services on the weekend of October 14, 1961. The New Orleans Alumnae Chapter hosted a coffee reception at the Metairie Country Club for the new initiates and visiting officers. That evening s Installation Banquet was held at the Royal Orleans Hotel, where guest speaker Dr. Hitt s address was most inspiring. The three alumnae whose idea gave birth to the new chapter received Alumnae Certificates of Merit. Delta Nu Chapter received a silver tea service from the National Fraternity, a silver punch bowl from the Province and a matching silver tray from the New Orleans Alumnae. A Sunday afternoon reception at the Royal Orleans Hotel introduced the new Chapter to its many guests. DELTA NU CHAPTER TODAY: Over Winter Break, Delta Nu participated in a version of Trading Spaces with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, where each campus sorority decorated one room in the fraternity s house. is the University of New Orleans s 2003 Chapter of the Year, and these ladies also received the campus 2003 Service/ Philanthropy Award. To encourage chapter members in sorority participation, the chapter gives Bunny Bucks for use in an end-of-the-semester Bunny Buck Auction for items and gift certificates. UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS FUN FACTS: Established: 1956 Mascot: Privateers Enrollment: 17,360 Web site: www.uno.edu Visit Delta Nu Chapter on the Web: http://www.uno.edu/%7ezta/ ΗΩ Eta Omega Louisiana State University at Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana Link #168 Installed: March 1, 1975 The Shreveport branch of LSU opened its doors as a junior college in 1967, but received four-year university status is 1972. In March 1974, Extension Director Norma Brooks was asked to make one of six national sorority presentations to a local sorority on the LSUS campus. Field Secretary Chris Moranetz visited the local group and presented the Zeta Slide Show. In May, the Shreveport Alumnae voted to support two other collegiate chapters within the city and felt that the colonization of another group on campus would best suit s purposes. Extension Committee member Rosemary Williams organized a group of women (who called themselves the Crown Club) and sought university recognition. During the summer of 1974, the local alumnae hosted Coca-Cola parties for women who would attend LSUS in the fall, and the Crown Club boasted 15 members by August, including four Zeta daughters. On August 26, 1974, petitions to both the University and to Zeta Tau Alpha were signed, making the Eta Omega Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, formerly known as the Crown Club, the second NPC group on campus. After second-semester recruitment, Installation began on Friday afternoon, February 28, 1975, at the Beta Iota Chapter Lodge at Centenary College. Members of Beta Iota and Zeta Delta Chapters served on the Initiation team. National President Nelly Galloway Shearer conducted Saturday afternoon s Installation at St. Paul s Episcopal Church, and Eta Omega became the 168 th link in s Chain of Chapters. That evening, Dr. Donald Shipp spoke on Values for Today, and the chapter was presented with the Baby Cup and a silver punch service by the National Fraternity. An afternoon reception in the Rose Garden of St. Paul s was the culminating event of the Installation weekend. ETA OMEGA CHAPTER TODAY: Outgoing President Kara Johnson was named Greek Woman of the Year the third Zeta in a row to hold this honor. Eta Omega is quite active in the Greek community, hosting an all-greek event, including a congratulatory dinner for the new Sigma Nu Colony. Chapter sisterhood events include movie nights, game nights and strawberry shortcake parties. The service-oriented ladies of Eta Omega also held a fall USO social where they collected donations in order to send care packages to overseas soldiers on behalf of the school. LSU AT SHREVEPORT FUN FACTS: Established: 1967 Mascot: Pilots Enrollment: 4,230 Web site: www.lsus.edu Visit Eta Omega Chapter on the Web: www.lsus.edu/org.zeta/ ON BOARD for FRED FEBRUARY FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA 2004 TAUZETA ALPHA TAU ALPHA 3 OF 6 1 OF 6
ARKANSAS: STATE FUN FACTS: for Nickname The Natural State Capital Little Rock Largest City Little Rock Ε ΘΘ Tourist Attractions With the Ozark and Ouachita mountains and the clear waters of Hot Springs, the Natural State is appropriately named. Squarely situated in the center of the state, Little Rock was an important trading post in the 1800s, and a small rock, dubbed Le Petite Rouche (literally, Little Rock in French), served as a landmark for boats making their way to the post. The Clinton Presidential Library is scheduled for completion in 2004. In the meantime, you can visit the Arkansas Territorial Restoration to see how frontier men and women lived in 19 th century Arkansas. Ε Epsilon University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas Link #5 Installed: December 18, 1903 Area I, Province V-B Zeta Tau Alpha s history at the University of Arkansas has its beginnings in the local sorority Delta Phi, which began when the University enrolled only about 800 students. Delta Phi, boasting three members on the faculty, grew with surprising strength on the campus and recruited only the best women for membership. From the beginning, Delta Phi had expectations for itself beyond the social sphere, stating, While we realize that social relations not only give grace and charm of manner but also form and cement lasting friendships, yet we hold that there is another and higher purpose to be striven for. The true fraternity ideal, the paramount object, is to develop and enrich the whole nature. With such an auspicious beginning, it is no wonder that when Delta Phi learned of Zeta Tau Alpha, they petitioned right away. Because of Delta Phi s high standards, Zeta Tau Alpha was warned that they might be a hard group to get. After meeting with Maude Alexander of Randolph-Macon College in August 1903, Delta Phi s petition was successfully received. Both Delta Phi and Zeta Tau Alpha played hard to get, and, as a result, they equally impressed one another, ending in a union that brought Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha into being on December 18, 1903 Zeta Tau Alpha s first chapter west of the Mississippi River. Epsilon Chapter was introduced to the world in the January 1904 issue of Themis, giving it the distinction of being the first chapter announced in the newly-launched magazine. The first pictures to appear in Themis featured Epsilon Chapter, their chapter room and the University of Arkansas. Zeta Tau Alpha became the second national women s fraternity at the University of Arkansas. EPSILON CHAPTER TODAY: In September 2003, Epsilon Chapter celebrated 100 years on the University of Arkansas campus with a huge Centennial Celebration. This chapter has the third highest sorority GPA, and has been rewarded for maintaining a GPA that is higher than the allwomen s GPA on campus. Last semester, Epsilon was named Outstanding Registered Student Organization in the Greek category. Members are now working with St. Jude s Research Hospital for a service project. This spring, the chapter will hold its annual Crowning the Champions to benefit the Foundation. Fraternities will compete for points in categories such as blood drive, T-shirt design, volleyball, talent night and field events. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FUN FACTS: Established: 1871 Mascot: Razorbacks Enrollment: 16,035 Web site: www.uark.edu ΘΘ Theta Theta Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas Link #174 Installed: January 22, 1977 Area I, Province V-B The members of Alpha Lambda Zeta, the largest of three local sororities at Arkansas Tech University, petitioned Zeta Tau Alpha to become a Colony in September 1976, after a visit by National President Nelly Galloway Shearer. Shortly afterward, Mrs. Shearer informed the group that their petition was accepted and they would become a Colony, the FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA TAU ALPHA 4 OF 6
first NPC group on campus. Originally planned for the middle of January 1977, the Installation Weekend had to be changed to January 21 and 22, 1977, because of extreme weather conditions. Epsilon Chapter members from the University of Arkansas conducted the Initiation services at Central Presbyterian Church. The new chapter included 36 charter members, six alumnae initiates and one Installation initiate. Theta Theta Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was Installed as the 174 th link in Zeta s Chain of Chapters by National President Nelly Galloway Shearer in the Sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 22, 1977. That evening, a buffet dinner was served in the banquet room of the AQ Chicken Restaurant, with Mary Harkness Anderson as a most charming toastmistress. Mrs. Shearer was the guest speaker, and she delivered a moving story, challenging the new chapter and the alumnae to mold a successful future. Mrs. Shearer and Mrs. Anderson presented Theta Theta with the silver punch bowl and cups on a tray amid much excitement and exclamations of pleasure. The members of Theta Theta then sang the Nickelodeon Song and one of their former Alpha Lambda Zeta songs, Friends We Are, followed by everyone joining in for The Call, ending the lovely Installation banquet. Despite the wet, slick, muddy weather, the group attended church services together COUNTDOWN TO CONVENTION: on Sunday at Central Presbyterian Church and hosted a reception at the Arkansas Tech University Student Center Ballroom that afternoon, completing the Installation Weekend. THETA THETA CHAPTER TODAY: Theta Theta Chapter member Veronica Lanier explains that when was the local sorority named Alpha Lambda Zeta, the name meant beginning love sisters. She continues, Though our letters have changed, the meaning of our name hasn t. Through thick and thin, our sisters have stayed strong for one another and for the chapter. This idea certainly rings true when one sees Theta Theta s many activities, including their annual Run for Your Life 5K, volunteering with the Girls Scouts, and becoming Greek Week Champions. Individual members also make Theta Theta shine by being involved with the band, cheerleading, the dance team, Miss TECH, Student Ambassadors, TECH Sweethearts and Golden Suns volleyball. ARKANSAS TECH FUN FACTS: Established: 1909 Mascot: Golden Suns (women) & Wonder Boys (men) Enrollment: 5,854 Web site: www.atu.edu Visit Theta Theta Chapter on the Web: www.stuserv.atu.edu/clubs/zetataualpha/theta.htm for Each month, FRED will highlight Collegiate Convention Awards as Zetas gear up for this summer s international gathering in Denver, Colorado. These awards are only presented at Convention and represent achievements during the biennium (the two years since the last Convention): ATTENDANCE AWARDS These awards are presented to the collegiate and alumnae chapters representing the greatest mileage traveled to Convention. Figures are based on the number of members present for full-time attendance, multiplied by the number of miles from the location of the chapters to the site of Convention. BECKY HAINSWORTH KIRWAN CHAPTER IMPROVEMENT AWARD This rotating award is represented by a silver tray. It was established and first presented in 1992 to honor the outstanding service to the Fraternity by former National President Becky Hainsworth Kirwan. This award recognizes a chapter that has shown the courage and commitment to improve and achieve success. Attainment of the Crown Chapter Award is not required for consideration for this award. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD First presented at the 1948 Convention, this rotating award is a silver tray. It is awarded for excellence in scholastic achievement and is presented to the chapter with the highest scholastic average for the biennium. The following three awards represent the highest honors that collegiate chapters can achieve, so as your chapter sets its goals for the new year, keep these silver awards in mind as you plan your chapter s best year ever! HELEN MARGARET HARRISON AWARD This rotating award is the highest award presented to a collegiate chapter, and is represented by a beautiful silver tray. It was presented for the first time at the 1954 International Convention. Helen Margaret Harrison, former National President, gave this award to the Fraternity. It is given in recognition of a chapter s success in having consistently attained a high level of superiority in every phase of chapter effort, including activities, scholastic achievement, membership recruitment and financial management. FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA TAU ALPHA 5 OF 6
NELLY GALLOWAY SHEARER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This rotating award is the second highest honor presented to a collegiate chapter. It was named at the 1988 Convention for this former National President upon her retirement as Secretary-Treasurer. In 1939, Dorothy Hillix, then National President, gave the Fraternity a beautiful silver bowl to be used as the Grand Chapter Award. In 1941, the name was changed to the Achievement Award. The original award now is on permanent display in the Fraternity archives in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. This award is given to the chapter that has, in the judgment of National Council, made the greatest progress or continued to maintain its high degree of excellence during the two-year period between International Conventions. The percentage basis of the award is: 40% scholastic achievement; 30% activities; and 30% good Fraternity programming. Runner-up Achievement Awards, which are silver trays, are awarded on the same criteria as the silver bowl to chapters ranking second and third. MERIT AWARD This award is the third highest award presented to a collegiate chapter. It is a rotating award and is represented by a silver tray. It was presented for the first time at the 1948 Golden Anniversary Convention. It is given to a chapter in recognition of outstanding and sustained achievement and leadership (within the chapter and on the campus) maintained over a period of years. The purpose of the Merit Award is to develop chapter teamwork. This award reflects an attempt to instill a sense of responsibility on the part of individual members and to promote the desire of officers to maintain outstanding progress. The Merit Award is given to the chapter that has maintained and sustained excellent officer and campus leadership, scholastic achievement, chapter attitude, and cooperation. Runnerup Merit Award silver trays are awarded to chapters ranking second and third. *Collegiate Convention Award information was taken from the 2003 Zeta Tau Alpha General Manual.* HERSTORY IN S HISTORY: This month, as newly-elected officers take their positions, HerStory offers some words of wisdom and tidbits of advice from the Louisiana and Arkansas chapters outgoing Executive Council Officers. Make sure you have silver polish, an iron, LOTS of candles, and a GREAT attitude! Crystal Greene, Eta Omega Chapter Ritual Chairman Remember no matter how hectic your office may get, never forget that your chapter placed you in your position because they saw something in you that you may not have realized. Jennifer Watson, Beta Iota Chapter VPI I have served dutifully and from my heart as VPII and am sad to see my term end. I try to tell the New Members that you get out of what you put into it, and that is so true. has been a very rewarding and blessed experience for me. From my new member period to meeting our National President, every day has been full of excitement and surprises. I know one thing, has to be in everyone s heart to make a chapter work. No matter who your Executive Council is, it takes the chapter to make a difference. Veronica Lanier, Theta Theta Chapter VPII Having everything completely planned in advance saves a lot of time and stress so that you can have more fun in the end! Stay organized at all times! Monique Judice, Delta Nu Chapter President Always believe in yourself, and make copies of EVERYTHING. Kara Johnson, Eta Omega Chapter President Put in 100% and get out so much more. Rita Carver, Delta Kappa Chapter VPIII Always smile, no matter what. Maura Dees, Beta Iota Chapter President Pay your dues, and stay organized. Amanda Robinson, Eta Omega Chapter Treasurer Being on EC... Take this responsibility seriously, because the chapter will rely on you to solve their problems while keeping the mood fun. Make yourself available, but set parameters so that you don t get rundown know when to say no and when to say yes, I ll drop everything to take care of this. Sara Exner, Delta Kappa Chapter VPI for DESTINATION UNKNOWN: Next month we ll visit the state dubbed the Heart of Dixie, home of the Talladega Super Speedway for NASCAR fans and of the Civil Rights Institute. We ll also explore the Magnolia State, once called home by such literary legendary as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Tennessee Williams. Can you guess where FRED will take you next? Do you think your chapter has a neat founding history? Is there a sister in your chapter who has an interesting story to tell? Has your chapter made history recently? If you d like to contribute to The State of, please e-mail FRED Chairman Andrea Porter at zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org under the subject heading FRED. FRED FEBRUARY FRED FEBRUARY 2004 ZETA 2004 TAUZETA ALPHA TAU ALPHA 6 OF 6 1 OF 6