History
The Start of Theta Phi Alpha
Father Edward D. Kelly (later bishop), a pastor of the student chapel at the1950s Growth
Theta Phi Alpha joined the NPC in 1951 along with ten other national sororities in the NPC's most recent expansion. On June 28, 1952, Theta Phi Alpha absorbed Pi Lambda Sigma, the only other national Catholic women's fraternity. Pi Lambda Sigma at the time of merger had four chapters which joined Theta Phi Alpha: their chapters at1970s-1980s Crisis of Membership
In 1969, Theta Phi Alpha hit a chapter count of 18 with the loss of ''Rho'' at Penn State. At the National Convention in 1972, Theta Phi Alpha began considering expansion to Junior and two-year colleges. Two years after this consideration, only ten chapters (''Epsilon'', ''Kappa'', ''Sigma'', ''Upsilon'', ''Chi'', ''Alpha Gamma'', ''Alpha Epsilon'', ''Alpha Iota'', and newly installed ''Alpha Mu'' (Northern Kentucky University) and ''Alpha Nu'' (General Motors Institute)) were represented at convention. This chapter count was well below the required number for membership in NPC. At the following convention in 1976, the Fraternity began discussing options of dissolution, merger or commitment to growth. The chapter count began to grow over the next four years with the reinstatement of three chapters (''Alpha Beta'', ''Alpha Xi'', ''Alpha Zeta''), until in 1981 NPC notified Theta Phi Alpha they were placed in Associate Member Status due to low chapter count. The Fraternity had until 1987 to obtain 14 active chapters, the youngest had to be two years active. Due to its associate status and financial strain, Theta Phi Alpha gave up their spot as NPC treasurer in rotation for NPC Chairmanship. This also hindered the organization from acting as Vice Chairman the following two years, and finally Chairman. In spite of this setback, Theta Phi Alpha was committed to expansion. Over the following six years the sorority gained 11 chapters, and was granted full membership status in NPC in 1987.1990s-Current New National Identity
Looking into the new millennium, the conversation on a National level turned to the role of religion in ritual. In 1968, Theta Phi opened its doors to women of all faith and replaced the crucifix used in ritual to a cross. In 1988, there was discussion of removing the cross in ritual. The discussion was tabled during convention but it was decided that the cross would have a less prominent role in ritual In 1990, Theta Phi Alpha surveyed the sisters about the Catholic influences in the ritual. The most positive response was to adjust the ritual to match the current views of the national fraternity, while the most negative response was to remove all references to God in the ritual. This dissonance between the sisters is still discussed today. However, Theta Phi Alpha has slowly removed religious aspects, in 1990 the ''Lord's Prayer'' was removed from the ritual. In 1992, the ''Theta Phi Alpha Prayer'' was removedand the following year a less religious ritual for deceased members and a nonreligious national philanthropy, ''The House that Theta Phi Alpha Built'' were introduced. Other efforts were made to create a new national identity during this time. In 2003, the logo and tagline were developed. At this time, the fraternity was also looking to honor its history as a singing fraternity. In 2010, a national songbook was developed and a CD with the songs called ''Everlasting Melodies'' were given out as grab bag gifts at the National Convention. During this time there was also an interest to strengthen existing chapters, now that the fraternity was in good standings with NPC. The fraternity began to develop programs to increase the leadership abilities of each chapter. These efforts included instating the leadership conference in 1991 as well as developing standards for sisters as well as new members. The standards for new members were focused on new member education through the development of a program called My Sister, My Friend. The fraternity also created Leadership Consultants to advise chapters throughout the country. The fraternity also began to look at risk management with regards to hazing and alcohol abuse in 1987. In 1993, a national risk management and chapter operation manual were created. In 1998, the majority of chapters fell below minimum chapter size, were in violation of hazing or alcohol policy or did not meet financial obligations. This sparked establishment of many programs such as Compass Point and Reflections to help chapters grow and look at chapter life. The National Office also began to improve communication through the development of a national website. In 2003, a fine was instated for chapters with a number of girls under the campus total number of girls possible to recruit. This controversial fine was created with the intention of keeping chapters active in recruitment. The following year a GPA minimum and value based recruitment system were put in place as a way to strengthen chapter membership. Theta Phi Alpha approved the expansion of its Grand Council from five to seven members in 2006 to have more of a focus on chapter assistance.Founders
The founders of Theta Phi Alpha are eight alumnae of the university and two undergraduates. These women collectively selected the fraternity's flower, jewels and colors. Dorothy Phalan (then Caughey) :Dorothy assisted the founding of the sorority by providing the original meeting space to plan the reorganization of Omega Upsilon. Her daughter, Margaret, became the first legacy of Theta Phi Alpha to pledge. Katrina Ward (then Caughey) :After graduating from University of Michigan in 1911 with a literary degree. Katrina assisted the new Theta Phi Alpha as an Omega Upsilon alumnae. Alongside her sister, Dorothy, she supported the original meetings of Theta Phi Alpha. She believed that experience through adversity strengthened fraternal bonds. Mildred Connely :Mildred's focus was on turning Theta Phi Alpha into a national sorority by visiting old Omega Upsilon members. Mildred became the second President, the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the first recipient of the Guard of Honor, the primary writer of the creed, and earned the distinction of the "Lifetime Keeper of the Ritual." Selma Gilday :Selma was born on August 21, 1877 in Monroe, Michigan. She attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in Latin and German in 1902. Selma was present at the first tea for Theta Phi Alpha and focused on the alumnae support of the new organization. After founding Theta Phi Alpha, Selma went on to teach German, Latin, and mathematics for 46 years in Toledo where she organized the Toledo-Monroe City Alumnae Association, until she died on June 10, 1958. Otilia O'Hara (then Leuchtweis) :Otilia, one of the only undergraduate founders, was the first to sign the record book and become president of Alpha chapter in 1912. She, along with Eva, located and secured the home for the newest sisters of Theta Phi Alpha. She also managed the first recruitment effort which brought in ten active members. After she graduated the following year, Otilia remained involved in the sorority and chaired the committee that selected the gift of silver flatware presented to Alpha at the 1941 National Convention. Amelia McSweeney :After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1898 as an alumna of Omega Upsilon, Amelia became an important figure in education and civic life in Detroit. This experience in civic life and education was the reason Father Edward A. Kelly approached her to found this new Catholic sorority. Amelia believed strongly in the early need for Panhellenic recognition on campus. On December 12, 1913, on one of Amelia's trips for the sorority, Amelia contracted the meningitis that ultimately ended her life, and she succumbed on January 4, 1914. Camilla Sutherland (then Ryan) :Camilla was an alumna teacher of Omega Upsilon when she was approached by Bishop Edward Kelly to establish the sorority. Camilla believed that in order for the organization to survive, participants could not separate undergraduate and graduate members. She utilized this belief when setting up the national structure, which is today almost entirely run by alumnae. Camilla, along with her sister, hosted a joint meeting of the Grand Council and the Board of Trustees in 1931 in her family home. Helen Quinlan (then Ryan) :Helen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1908 and started teaching mathematics in Detroit. Helen was a prominent Catholic woman in the Cleveland area where she formed the first National Council of Catholic Women. She contributed her Catholic influence and charitable work to the new Theta Phi Alpha fraternity. May C. Ryan :As a founding member, May is credited with developing the name, motto and original coat of arms for Theta Phi Alpha. She was also a member of the Board of Trustees until she died on May 18, 1935. Eva Bauer Everson (then Stroh) :Eva Regina Stroh, the other collegiate founder, acquired the furnishings and housing for the original Theta Phi Alpha house in the summer of 1912 as a freshman, along with Otilia Leuchtweis. Before she entered the University, Eva found solace in the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, whose namesake became the patroness of the Theta Phi Alpha fraternity. Showing her involvement in Theta Phi Alpha, she name the fraternity as a beneficiary in her will.Symbols
Theta Phi Alpha's official colors areBadges and Pins
The New Member pin is a square badge in black enamel with a gold compass in the center, and a gold border. The Badge is a gold letter "Theta" set with pearls, superimposed upon plain gold letters "Phi" and "Alpha." The badge of Theta Phi Alpha is worn only by initiated members and is at once a means of identification and a source of pride to the wearer. The Fraternity badge is to be worn over the heart and is always placed above any other piece of jewelry. The badge is to be worn with 'badge attire' which is similar to business attire. Upon death of a member, her badge is either sent to the Fraternity's archives or buried with her. Each member has the responsibility to see that her family knows of these alternatives, and should arrange to have one or the other followed at her death. The National President's Badge, worn by the National President during her term in office, is similar to the official badge but with the Theta set with diamonds, mounted on a wreath of gold. The Chapter President's Badge, purchased by a chapter and worn by its president during her term. Similar to the National President's Badge, but with the Theta set with sapphires. The Grand Council Badge, worn by each member of The Grand Council (other than the National President), is the official badge set with alternating diamonds and sapphires and a diamond in the center, mounted on a wreath of gold, and is worn accompanied by a guard. Guards, to be worn by current and former members of The Grand Council, exemplify the Fraternity's Coat of Arms set with a sapphire on each side.Motto
Theta Phi Alpha recognizes Saint Catherine of Siena as its patroness. Her motto, "Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring," is the fraternity's official motto. The Siena Medal, awarded by the fraternity, is the highest award given to a non-member of Theta Phi Alpha. Because of the deep respect and reverence for Saint Catherine, her feast day, April 30, is used to celebrate the fraternity's founding because the original date, August 30, frequently does not fall within the academic year at most universities.Philanthropy
The Theta Phi Alpha Foundation oversees the organization's philanthropic causes. Theta Phi Alpha Foundation provides resources for Theta Phi Alpha sisters for scholarship, philanthropy, community service, and education through charitable giving. The vision of the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation is stated as one of "ever loyal commitment, everlasting support." While the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation oversees national philanthropic causes, each chapter may also support additional philanthropic causes. Many do.Glenmary Home Missioners
Theta Phi Alpha nationally adopted Glenmary Home Missioners as its philanthropy in 1959. Glenmary's work is in depressed, rural areas of the United States, primarily in theCamp Friendship
Over the summer, Glenmary hosts a summer camp in Mississippi for underprivileged youth called Camp Friendship/ Camp Glenmary. Theta Phi Alpha sponsors the camp, in addition, donating clothing, toiletries, and arts and crafts supplies. Sisters of Theta Phi Alpha may also serve two weeks helping run the camp, offsetting costs that allow participation by children who otherwise may not be able to afford the program.The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built
The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built is Theta Phi Alpha's newest philanthropic cause, established in 1993. The common goal through "The House" is to improve the plight of the homeless in any way. Chapters may seek to provide assistance to organizations that help the homeless, shelters, home building or neighborhood revitalization projects. This goal permits all Theta Phi Alphas to help those in need in their own community, while remaining united in aim and purpose. The umbrella term allows sisters to identify the issues in their individual communities. Many specific charitable efforts fall under The House That Theta Phi Alpha built, such promoting literacy, serving dinners, and running errands for the elderly.Membership
Notable Alumnae
Chapters and Emerging Chapters
A chapter is a local Theta Phi Alpha organization at a single college or university. As of August 1 2022, Theta Phi Alpha had 55 active collegiate chapters as well as 37 alumnae associations and clubs across the United States. Chapters are named with Greek letters in order of their date of installation, with the first chapter the Alpha chapter. If a chapter closes for any reason, no other Theta Phi Alpha chapter is allowed to utilize its Greek name designation until a chapter can be re-chartered or re-established at the same college or university. In order to become a chapter, the group must first become an emerging chapter. An emerging chapter is a group of women working together to complete the requirements to become a chapter of Theta Phi Alpha. Once established, an emerging chapter is expected to fulfill nineteen requirements or "pearls." Once these requirements are fulfilled, the emerging chapter goes through Chapter Installation where the emerging chapter new members become fully initiated members of Theta Phi Alpha. As of August 1, 2022, there are no Theta Phi Alpha Emerging Chapters.National Office
National Convention
The supreme governing body of Theta Phi Alpha is the National Convention which happens once every other year. The National Convention is held in even numbered years while a complementary Leadership Conference is held in odd-numbered years.National Structure
The National Office is composed of the National Office Staff, the Grand Council, the Board of Trustees, and Appointed National Officers. The Grand Council is composed of 7 officers who are elected at the National Convention. The Grand Council manages the affairs of the Fraternity between Conventions by holding four meetings a year. The Board of Trustees is composed of five members are elected at Convention for a four-year term.Theta Phi Alpha announces 2014–2016 LeadershipNational Presidents
The National Presidents of Theta Phi Alpha are: *Winifred Corcoran Adams (1919–1920) *Mildred Connely (1920–1922)June 1921 Issue of the CompassAwards
Theta Phi Alpha has several awards available for bestowal upon members and nonmembers of the women's fraternity. These awards are given out at National Conventions. Collegiate chapters may win the Circle of Excellence Award, and award established in 2008 to recognize outstanding collegiate chapters. Chapters must submit an application to apply for this award based on campus involvement, community service, national organization contributions and others. An outstanding alumnae association may win a Diamond Jubilee Award for excellence in membership, financial management, program planning and other criteria. This award is a silver loving cup crowned with the Lady of Victory. Individuals may also win awards. The Guard of Honor is the highest award the Fraternity can give to a member. The member is awarded a guard pin with a Tudor rose in gold, with a sapphire center for her lifelong contributions to the Fraternity. As of 2014, only 78 guard of honor pins have been honored. A complete list of honorees can be found on the Theta Phi Alpha website. Another award, the Senior Service Award, is given on Founders' Day to a collegiate senior whose scholarship, leadership, character, and service to fraternity and school have been commendable.Siena Medal
The Siena Medal is an award given by Theta Phi Alpha. The medal is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a non-member and is named after Saint Catherine of Siena. The past recipients of the Siena Medal are:See also
*References
External links
* {{Authority control 1912 establishments in Michigan National Panhellenic Conference Fraternities and sororities in the United States University of Michigan Student organizations established in 1912 Women's organizations based in the United States