We're already a month into the new year but as I reflect on 2018, I cannot help but be thankful for those who have served Theta Phi Alpha. I understand the personal sacrifice that each of you make for this organization. You have my utmost gratitude for doing what you do. Thank you.
In 2018, we saw two chapters installed, Delta Lambda at Montclair State University, and Delta Mu at Marian University. It was a Convention year - Theta Phi Alpha’s gathered together and made memories in Pittsburgh. We have a new Siena Medalist, Ginny Carroll. And our delegates elected a new Grand Council and three Board of Trustee members. Thank you to the volunteers and staff who worked so hard to make Convention a success.
It is also a time to remember those that we have lost. They will forever be in our hearts. Each loss is hard, each person contributed differently, and they all hurt. One loss, in particular, was felt deeply across the organization. The widespread influence of Sue Check has left a mark on Theta Phi Alpha. The stories of her support for our traveling consultants and any member who called with a problem are uplifting. She is greatly missed.
This year, I look forward to celebrating the first centennial of a Theta Phi Alpha chapter. Chartered on June 15, 1919 at the University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter has continuously operated for almost 100 years. It is a wonderful opportunity for all Theta Phi Alpha sisters to celebrate with Epsilon collegians and alumnae, including a Founders’ Day celebration on April 14th. To learn more about the celebration check out the Greater Cincinnati Alumnae Association Facebook page.
2019 is also the year that NPC changes its leadership structure. It moves from an all-rotational two-member board to an elected/rotational board. The seven-member Board of Directors will have five elected directors and two appointed from member organizations on a rotational basis. Theta Phi Alpha will rotate on to the board in 2039. To read more about these changes, visit the NPC blog: npcwomen.blogspot.com/2018/12. At the October NPC meeting, the vote to raise our membership fees to NPC also passed. The increase in fees will start in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. NPC member dues have not been adjusted since 1984. The implementation of the new fees increases the capacity of NPC to advance and defend the sorority experience.
In other NPC news…You may have wondered why Theta Phi Alpha has been promoting Stand Up To Harvard if we do not have a chapter on that campus. Harvard is punishing students for their involvement in off-campus, single-sex organizations, violating students’ “rights to free association and to live free of sex discrimination,” rights protected by the First Amendment and Title IX (www.standuptoharvard.org). Theta Phi Alpha is supporting the actions, via social media, of our NPC and NIC friends at Harvard because if Harvard is successful in eliminating single-sex organizations, then other campuses could follow suit and threaten the fraternity and sorority experience as we know it. Read more at: www.standuptoharvard.org
As the saying goes, time flies. Another year is done and we are all another year older. I hope the passing of time brings you wisdom, strength, and healing as we embark on a new year of adventures for Theta Phi Alpha, fraternities and sororities, and ourselves.
“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!”
― St. Catherine of Siena