Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Wins Top Award at 2010 Grand Convention




The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta was awarded the top alumnae award at the 2010 Grand Convention  held in Tucson, Arizona, on June 23-27, 2010.  Receiving the award was chapter president, Heather A. Steen, Delta Nu, Arkansas.  Supporting Heather and celebrating from the chapter were from the left, Christa Sobon, Delta Zeta, Emory University, Marie Hannon, Zeta Eta, Wofford College, Leslie Fight, Alpha, DePauw University, , and Lynn Jones Fight, Alpha Mu, University of Missouri. 

Fraternity President, Katie Busby, pictured with Heather and others above, spoke of the chapter, 

" The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter has flourished over the past several years. This is in part due to the strength, continuity and dedication of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Board. This group of women is as diverse as Theta herself, ranging in age from 22 to 83; from the west coast to the east coast and from the north as well as the south. The board members become Theta’s arms and legs across Atlanta in the community and they represent her in many aspects of community, philanthropy, business and education.

The Atlanta Alumnae chapter has continued to grow membership, including a concerted effort to welcome and involve young alumnae. The Young Alums group meets socially once a month and utilizes Evite to contact and invite local new alumnae. Two Young Alums have started a book club which crosses generations and meets once a month to discuss the current book and to enjoy sisterhood. A vibrant and up-to-date website is easily accessible with a calendar, events, and opportunities to participate and become a member. Dues paying members are given a password which opens up the private pages of the website to the membership directory and more information.

In 2009, the chapter held a special recognition at Founders Day of the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of the Delta Zeta chapter at Emory University. Participation from this group of new fifty-year Thetas was enormous and their reunions and remembrances were a great example to all present of the strength and depth of the bonds of sisterhood. 

The current chapter President, Heather Steen, has continued the tradition of not only welcoming Thetas who are new to the Atlanta area, but she immediately connects the new Theta with a sister in her neighborhood, or with whom she may share a common interest, hobby, or career. It is this type of personalized welcome that is extended to all and why the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter has grown in size and diversity.

Georgia CASA has consistently had an Atlanta Theta on the board for many years. In 2008, the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter was recognized and thanked at the annual Georgia CASA luncheon and fashion show for her steadfast commitment to Georgia CASA, through time, treasure and talent. 

The current President of the Atlanta Area Panhellenic Association is Theta’s own Peggy Jones. Peggy is in her fourth year of a five year rotation and during her time on the AAPA board, she has been instrumental in coalescing the board and membership. She increased the Greek presence through the 2010 College Sorority 101 day for Atlanta-area college-bound senior women and invited Theta’s own Lissa Bradford to speak at the event in February.

The Atlanta Thetas are ardent in their support of the women of Delta Zeta chapter at Emory University. Alumnae prepare and serve a fall Thanksgiving dinner to the chapter prior to the school holiday and they do the same in spring with a Salad supper at the conclusion of classes and prior to final exams. Alumnae also conduct an ever-popular career coaching evening in early fall for senior women. The Delta Zeta women always send members to join in the annual Founders Day celebration. 

The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter has consistently supported two endowed Foundation scholarships: The Ruth Robie Lacy/Rosemary Longino Scholarship and the Suzanne Lynn/Atlanta Alumnae Scholarship

 

Gamma Omega Chapter Re-established at Auburn University

 

Gamma Omega Alumnae share in the excitement of re-establishing the chapter.

 

 

On April 4th, 2009, the Gamma Omega chapter, which had been on Auburn's campus from 1957-2000, was re-established with 122 new initiates.  Actives from Emory, the University of Alabama, and Gamma Omega alumnae helped with Initiation.  Lisa Mello (Gamma Phi/Texas Tech), Ashley Jones (Alpha Tau/Cincinnati) and Christa Sobon (Delta Zeta/Emory) are the Fraternity Officers from Atlanta who also particpated in the Initiation service.

 

Upon the conclusion of Initiation, there were still several official functions and a celebration.  Former Fraternity President, Mary Jane Beach, presided over the Charter Service where a chapter representative was presented with the new charter.  Following that service, there was a reception for new initiates, their parents, alumnae, Officia Family and other guests.

 

Former Fraternity President, Karen Ledbetter lead the Installation program after the reception.  During the program, Jill Moore, Auburn University's Greek Life Advisor, welcomed Theta back to campus. As a thank you for all the fabulous support from the Panhellenic community, Mary Jane Beach presented Jill and the Panhellenic President with a framed print of all the badges of the 26 NPC groups.

  

The packed schedule will continue into the Fall. Recruitment begins August 9th, and all seventeen Auburn sororities will be moving to their new lodges in the Auburn Village behind the football stadium.  (The sorority village will be similar to Emory's lodges.)  For information on Gamma Omega's capital campaign, please contact Sage Singleton at atlantasage@yahoo.com

 

You can see pictures of the weekend's activities under Auburn Thetas in Facebook or contact www.AuburnThetas.org.

 

Gamma Omega alumnae from Atlanta who attended the three day festivites included Susan Douglas Woods, Sally Allen Charles, Beth Gregory St. Jean, M.J. Young Thorne, Suzanne Danis Walker, Betty Rogers Austin, and Jane Turner Poe.  Former Atlantans Sage Singleton and Ashley Spruill Reed also attended.

 

 

 

 

2009 Founders Day

 

One hundred forty-five Thetas attended the 2009 Founders Day celebration, held on January 31st at the Druid Hills Golf Club.  The guest speaker was Rebecca Hartsough, Delta Zeta, Emory.  Rebecca is the 2009 recipient of the Bettie Locke Hamilton Founders Memorial Scholarship and the former Delta Zeta Chapter President. 

 

In attendance were more than 18 active members of the Delta Zeta, Emory University chapter.  The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter honored thirty Fifty Year Thetas from across the country, and especially the first pledge class of the Delta Zeta Chapter.