Meet Chef Holly!

The one and only, Chef Holly!

We would like to take a minute to brag about our very own Chef Holly! Chef Holly Ratcliffe has been the chef at the Zeta house for 3 years. She prepares fabulous meals for the house girls and the girls who sign up for a meal plan! Some of the house girls favorites are Chef Holly’s hummus, chicken fried steak, and her wonderful salmon. Chef Holly attended University of North Carolina and taught in a school in Charlotte, NC before she went back to pursue her dream- becoming a chef. She decided to go back to school and attended the Culinary Institute of America. Chef holly’s favorite job before coming to Zeta was at the La Velle Auberge in Vancouver, Canada. When asked what her favorite meal to cook is, there are too many answers to pick just one, but she said she has a love for sauces and soups (she makes great homemade soups for the Zetas!). Chef Holly has been keeping us nourished and happy over here at the Zeta house for quite some time now and we couldn’t be more thankful! Thanks, Chef Holly!

ZLAM,

Liz Flury PC '11

UT Zetas Visit TCU Zetas

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to talk to two of my Zeta sisters about the recent trip they took to Fort Worth for the TCU vs. UT football game. 181 miles, 196 minutes, and cities away is quite a far distance, but the bond of Zeta Tau Alpha sisters remains strong. In support of the Longhorn Football team, many Zetas took the trip the Texas Christian University and drove a few hours in pursuit of a victory. Upon arrival, many Zetas,

including PC '12 sophomore Lindsay Kridler met up with friends and zistas from Texas Christian University. “My best friend Abby goes to Texas Christian University and coincidentally she became a Zeta!” Lindsay arrived at her friend’s apartment with an overwhelming welcome from other TCU Zetas. She commented, “It was so nice to meet my sisters from other schools.” Lindsay added that they all shared stories about their chapter, the girls in them, and found wonderful resemblances between the two.

PC '12 Lindsay Kridler with some TCU friends!

Similarly, PC '12 sophomore Lauren Vela More stayed with a Zeta when she visited TCU. Lauren said, “It was really nice going to the game and staying with someone I felt completely comfortable with.” Lauren said that she and her friend Rachel shared stories about their recruitment. Each of them had a different reason why they ended up at Zeta Tau Alpha, but they could not be happier with their decision. Lauren loves how, “there are different aspects of both sororities, but we come together because we share a deeper bond.”

Both girls got to enjoy a Halloween event with their Zeta sisters. They all dressed up, some like Lindsay sported Zeta gear, and they met other people from TCU. Lindsay said, “I loved getting approached by a random Zeta with a hug, it was so welcoming.” Lauren agreed and loved that the girls were so friendly and excited to meet other Zetas. Lauren added, “You would never expect our chapters to be so similar, but our chapter personality and love of Zeta are one in the same.” Even at the game, Lindsay commented, “girls kept coming up to me and introducing themselves, excited to get to know other Texas Zetas.”

As the game ended with a victory for the University of Texas, the girls still enjoyed their time with their TCU friends and other Zetas. Both girls loved that they are able to be involved in such a connected and active sorority. Zeta Tau Alpha believes that there is a “harmony of the Fraternity at heart.” This past weekend Lauren and Lindsay would agree that Zetas came together and felt this harmony for a fraternity that is the nearest to their heart. 

ZLAM,

Kate Hanna PC '12

Being a KIPP Student Mentor

           This semester I have had a remarkable experience being a student mentor for Karla, a 5^th grade student at KIPP college prep middle school. I am in the Plan II Honors program at UT and we have partnered with KIPP - a system of charter schools focused on getting underprivileged kids to and through college. As a member of the KIPP/Plan II partnership I attend a weekly class on educational inequalities in America, as well as visiting Karla at KIPP once a week.

                   Founded by two Teach For America veterans, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, the intention behind KIPP schools is embodied in their mission statement found at the front entrance of Karla’s school: “KIPP Austin Public schools will empower underserved students to strengthen the academic skills, intellectual habits, and character traits necessary to thrive in, and graduate from, four year colleges, giving them the freedom to shape their futures and positively affect their communities.” Students at KIPP sign a contract at the beginning of each year agreeing to longer school days, summer school, daily homework, and a commitment to excellence, all in an effort to get caught up and on track for a successful future. Many students who enter into the KIPP program come from school districts with limited funding and resources leaving the students severely below grade level on state tests. KIPP is a beckon of hope for many families whose children would otherwise be stuck in disadvantaged school districts with limited opportunity for quality learning.

                  This is Karla’s first year in the KIPP program, which now extends K-12^th grade. As her mentor I help her adjust to the rigorous requirements at KIPP by being open and available for her to talk and look up to. Since her family’s goal is for her to attend college, I am an accessible example of someone who has successfully scaled the mountain to get there. During my visits, Karla and I play games, make crafts, and share our lives with one another. She tells me about her frustrations and joys and I continually get her excited about university life. The more attainable and exciting college becomes in Karla’s eyes, the easier it will be for her to continue to put forth the effort to get there. When I walked into Karla’s classroom last Wednesday she ran up to tell me about the 91 she had made on her math STAR practice test. I have aided Karla in making new friends and growing as a student, yet simultaneously Karla’s determination and confidence through such a new experience has truly been an inspiration. 

ZLAM, 

Tara Woolheater PC '12

Zeta Spurs Sweethearts!

The newest Zeta Spurs Sweethearts, PC'12 Francesca Herro, Sophie Teffeteller, and Madeleine Vadeboncoeur
(From Left to Right)

It was truly an honor to be selected as a Silver Spur’s Sweetheart this past month! Silver Spurs have been working to better UT since 1937 with over 2, 500 members who have contributed their leadership skills over their years. The Silver Spurs are an elite group of men who are dedicated to caring for the University of Texas’ mascot, Bevo, and to philanthropic endeavors like the Neighborhood Longhorns Program. I was humbled and honored to be selected to represent Zeta Tau Alpha in such an exceptional student organization.  It is been nothing but fun so far, and I have already had to opportunity to get to know some amazing women and gentlemen. I am excited about the opportunities and experiences that will come from Silver Spurs in the future! 

ZL, 

Sophie Teffeteller PC '12

Madeleine and Sophie after
being announced Spurs Sweethearts

It was just a normal Monday at chapter, when suddenly three rowels (the newest Spurs class) entered the Zeta house and announced the new Silver Spurs Sweethearts. I couldn’t have been happier when my name was announced, along with two of my great friends and sisters, Sophie Teffeteller and Francesco Herro. Ever since their founding in 1937, The Silver Spurs organization has dealt with the handling of our beloved mascot Bevo and has allowed campus leaders the opportunity to benefit The University of Texas through philanthropic and social endeavors. I was thrilled to follow in the footsteps of my grandbig, Nicole Fruge, and to represent Zeta. With our roses in hand (given to us by the rowels), we headed to El Mercado for pictures, socializing, and fun. My favorite part was getting to wear the boys' Spurs cowboy hats, which made us all feel quite official. I had such a great time meeting all of the older Spurs and Sweethearts, and everyone that I met was welcoming and awesome! It was definitely a night I will remember, as I was inducted into an organization rich with tradition and leadership. Being a part of an organization full of such dedicated leaders throughout the UT campus has been such a great experience so far, and it’s such an honor to have been chosen. I can’t wait for all the fun experiences that are in store for the year!

ZL,

Madeleine Vadeboncoeur PC '12

Zeta PC '13 Initiation Brunch

Renee and her mom at the
PC '13 Initiation Brunch

Since chapter meetings started, we were informed about all the fun events leading up to initiation.  The dates were given out, and we learned of the initiation brunch.  I was really excited when I heard that the food was really good and that the brunch would give us a chance to show people in our families our lives as new actives in Zeta.  

The only negative was that I am from out of state.  I ran the date by my parents, who I really wanted to come see what an incredible sorority I was in, and they explained that they were unable to come.  Although I was still looking forward to it, I really wished my mom could be there.

With that, I lucked out when my mom called me the day before the brunch and told me that she had taken a spontaneous trip to Texas!  She was going to be there for the Initiation Brunch!  It was so exciting being able to share the stories of my sisters with my mom while at the brunch.  My moms got to hear some of my closest friends speak, and learned about all the things we have been doing since school started.  I was so happy that she was finally able to meet my big, Alexia, as well as many other girls in Zeta.  But, I have to say… the hands down best part of the initiation brunch was the bacon.  It was amazing.  I didn’t know a couple of the girls at my table, and the food being as good as it was actually brought us closer discussing how amazing it was! 

Renee and her big Alexia, with
Kelly and her little Jackie

When the time came for awards, all the girls were widely attentive waiting to hear who got what.  I was so happy for my friends, and honestly thought that each girl that received an award completely fit the qualifications.  Since my mom was not in Greek life when she was in college, I was happy she was able to experience such an event with me.  My big and best friend’s big took my mom around the house showing her every room, study areas, and hang-out spots.  She was in complete awe.  Although the initiation brunch was the day following initiation night (when most of us spent the night celebrating), it was an amazing experience worth waking up early for! I hope that next year I am able to attend for my future little… not only for the bacon, but also to grow closer with my sisters.  

ZLAM!

Renee Mango, PC '13

Renee and her mom after the brunch!

"I Love My Big!"

Lindsay Schiff with her big, Kate Hanna

From the moment I found Kate Hanna in a closet dressed in a matching banana suit on Big Little reveal, I knew I’d just met my other half.  Her fun and goofy personality completely clicked with mine from the moment we met.  We hadn’t known each other before coming to school but it feels like I’ve known her for much longer than the three months we’ve been here (cheesy I know, but true). From the very beginning she was always looking out for me, making sure I got home safe from West Campus and even helping me come up with costume ideas for themed mixers. So when I learned about Big Appreciation day, I knew I had to come up with something good to thank her.  

The cookie cake before it was devoured by
happy, hungry Bigs and Littles!

Even though her main present wasn’t ready, we still attended Big Appreciation Night at the house where I gave her a cute picture of us in a frame. Many bigs received things like Kendra Scott earrings or Zeta necklaces and bracelets. Throughout the night many girls stood up and made speeches about how much they love their bigs. I’m not the best public speaker so I decided to lay low for that part, but it was really fun hearing the crazy stories people told about fun times with their bigs! After speeches were made and presents were exchanged it was time for the cookie cake! I have never seen a cake that big devoured in such a short time. 

After being spoiled by our bigs with tons of tshirts and other fun Zeta presents it was nice to be able to do something in return. I can honestly say that Kate will be one of my best friends for life and I don’t know what I would do without her here. Kate Hanna I APPRECIATE YOU! 

ZLAM,

Lindsay Schiff PC '13