National Rituals Week: Service and Philanthropy

        Zeta’s key value of service and philanthropy is something our members embody every day in everything they do. Having sisters that strive to help others, give back to the community, and serve with empathy is important to our chapter and the fraternity as a whole. Zeta Tau Alpha’s national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, so this cause is personal. Breast cancer touches many lives. Through local and national partnerships, campus and community initiatives, and the distribution of millions of pink ribbons since 1992, we are extremely dedicated to our philanthropy. By spreading the message of breast cancer education and awareness, Zeta is determined to diminish this disease. The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation partners with the American Cancer Society, the National Football League, and Bright Pink.
        On Wednesday, April 15th, we will be hosting our third annual Big Man On Campus. BMOC is a collegiate male pageant where contestants from different campus organizations compete to raise funds for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, as well as the philanthropies of other sororities. This cause is especially important to our chapter as many members have family and friends directly affected, and we are all about women lifting other women. Our chapter members plan, prepare and attend this fundraiser with our key value always in mind. The participants in the pageant show will be University of Texas students representing various student organizations. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. The past two years were a huge success, as we have raised over $75,000 for our philanthropy! Our chapter is excited to continue this anticipated event and we hope to make it even bigger and better in the years to come. Our goal is to raise significant funds for our philanthropy while increasing awareness of this disease. By educating others and bringing recognition to Breast Cancer, we can help make a difference.
 .      Aside from Big Man on Campus, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Zeta Tau Alpha members coordinate and participate in special events throughout October to increase awareness about early detection and to raise funds for breast cancer education. We pass out pink ribbons on campus during our pink out week that leads up to our big fall event, Queso For a Cure. Our chapter looks for other ways to serve and give back to our local communities. Girls volunteer weekly at Woolridge Elementary School as mentors and tutors for kids, participate in blood drives, volunteer at local hospitals, and do so much more.
We aspire to serve our community in a variety of ways and always “think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world.”


Love, MC18 Mallory Richards

National Rituals Week: Responsibility

From the moment I walked through the doors of the Zeta Tau Alpha house during recruitment week, I was immediately in awe of the girls I was lucky enough to have conversations with. After hearing the stories of different members within the Kappa chapter during Philanthropy and Sisterhood rounds, I not only knew that this is where I wanted my future home to be, but I also found so much value in following the footsteps of the girls ahead of me so I then decided I have no choice but to do the same. A few of my many inspirations were derived from hearing girls speak about juggling their busy schedules of class, outside organizations, leadership positions in Zeta, a social life, and of course simply figuring out how to create a life of their own. Now, after experiencing a semester and a half of college, I have gained an even greater respect for the roles these girls hold, and I often find myself questioning how they do it. The answer is simple. Between balancing a busy life and knowing when to make time for themselves, so many members within this chapter of Zeta exemplify “responsibility” to a tee!

            If there is one word to describe by first semester of college it would be: overwhelmed. I was shocked by the immense difficulty of numerous tasks I was expected to complete on a daily basis on top of trying to keep up with the high expectations Zeta sets for each of its members. Although it felt like a struggle at first, Zeta’s confidence in knowing my potential is what taught me responsibility in just a few months’ time span. 

            Zeta encourages its members to join outside organizations, support external philanthropies, join different councils and committees within the chapter, participate in sisterhood events, maintain a social life, and of course keep up high GPAs. I know this may seem too hard to handle, but these expectations taught me how to balance and maintain a responsible lifestyle. Although I most definitely face struggles just like everyone else, Zeta Tau Alpha’s constant encouragement motivates me to keep going and pushes me to do more. As a second semester freshman, I now seek responsibility in every aspect of my life. I have found a balance between a social life, when to facetime to my family, how to efficiently study, finding what I am most passionate about, participating in program council, and so much more. 

            Learning to live on my own was tough, but I am beyond fortunate enough to have found a home surrounded by encouraging, inspirational, beautiful, and smart young women who continually teach me to strive to do better, all the while keeping up responsibility. Thank you, Zeta Tau Alpha!

Love, Caroline Krafcheck MC19

National Rituals Week: Love

      The closing line of our creed for Zeta Tau Alpha is, “…remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was love, THE GREATEST OF ALL THINGS!” That line echoes through the Zeta house as it leads us into chapter every Monday night. Although the word “love” is only audibly heard across our chapter one time a week, love radiates through all of us every moment of every day in Zeta Tau Alpha. As a new member coming into Zeta this past fall, thinking about connecting with a huge group of girls that I had never known existed before college seemed outlandish – unattainable – impossible. How could I grow to call a house my home? It all seemed more like a fantasy rather than a reality. And then, I experienced Bid Day.
I sprinted to the farthest house in West Campus in the August heat wearing heels. In writing, that seems like something out of a nightmare; however, in reality, it was something out of a dream you never want to awake from. The front yard greeted me with smiles from ear to ear, high pitched squeals, and a limitless number of hugs from the hundreds of girls I could now call sisters. I remember taking a moment to embrace all that was happening around me. During all the craze, a feeling of calmness fell over me; all my concerns about connecting to and with all the girls and house that represent Zeta were put to rest, for I had realized that I had already connected to everyone there the moment I fell in love with Zeta Tau Alpha.
       Texas Zeta encompasses so many different backgrounds, personalities, interests and aspirations. However, despite all our differences, we are all united through our love of Zeta. The founders of Zeta making “Love” the foundation precept sparked something within Zeta all those years ago that continues to shine through today. I feel loved each and every day by my sisters in Zeta. I could not wish for anything more out of this sorority, for it has given me the greatest of all things: Love.







Gracelyn Keener, MC19

National Rituals Week: Leadership

Three knocks. Those three knocks on the door right before the well anticipated door chants echo in my head. It was recruitment week, and I was beyond excited to find my sisters and new home at a UT sorority. After the welcome from the Recruitment Captain and the President, girls flooded out of the Zeta house brimming with excitement to meet us. As the week went on, I truly found my home in Zeta. I fell in love with each girl I talked with, finding so much of myself in the women leading each day of recruitment. These girls put their heart and soul into the process, and it was truly noticeable. These girls were the reason for my decision to pref Zeta.

Right off the bat, the Executive officers introduced us to the Kappa Chapter. I was so intimidated; myself being a little freshman in such a huge sorority. Every girl I met was involved; there were leadership positions for every girl who wanted to be a part of something. However, I told myself that I would not have the opportunities to pursue a leadership position until I was older and better known within the sorority. How wrong I was. After initiation, every girl in my MC was highly encouraged by older girls to seek leadership positions. Why? Because this chapter does more than create friendships and participate in different events. Zeta’s goal is to prepare women to be leaders in our community.

Each member of Zeta is engaged in outside organizations. Leadership is utilized in so many ways in  all aspects of our chapter: from designing banners to planning mixers. Within my member class, my friends applied for positions such as assistant VP, favors committee, and big little coordinator. I wanted to apply for recruitment team. The girls on the team last year were the reason I went Zeta. Not only that, but the girls that talked to me during recruitment week showed me what sisterhood truly is. They put their heart and soul into the process, and I could see the strength in their friendships and leadership as they worked so hard throughout the week. Being on recruitment team has given me the opportunity to pursue something I am extremely passionate about. 

There is a reason that Zeta’s motto is Seek the Noblest. It is because each and every girl has a place in the sorority to flourish and grow. Leadership is just one of many aspects of our chapter. Each girl has their own gifts, and each gift is a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into Zeta. It is amazing to see how many girls didn’t know they had the capability to lead who have excelled in their positions. Girls of all ages are leaders, from PC to Exec to committees. There is a place for everyone. Zeta creates the opportunity to do so much more with oneself during our four years here at UT. Zeta continues to grow our qualities and harness our talents to be the best possible versions of ourselves. Thank you, Zeta Tau Alpha, for not only giving me my best friends, but giving us the opportunity to be more than ourselves and become leaders in our community!

 

Love, Brijit Crosby MC ‘19

Introducing Executive Council 2020

Meet our 2020 Executive Council! We are so proud of this team and excited to see what this year upcoming year will bring. Keep reading to learn about the amazing women who will be serving our chapter in 2020!

Name: Hartley Reese

Position: President 

Hometown: The Woodlands, TX

Major: International Relations & Global Studies

Follow me on insta: @hartreese

Fun Fact: I’ve studied French for over 10 years!

What do you do as President?

As President, I work to make sure that every component of our chapter follows
national expectations and policies while ensuring each member has a positive
experience. I represent Zeta in campus meetings, oversee our national reporting,
and help guide both our Executive and chapter meetings each week. My goal is
to ultimately unite our chapter through our key values of love, loyalty, lifelong
learning and service. 

Future goals?

I plan to go to take the LSAT this upcoming spring and hopefully attend law
school after college! 

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has brought me my ultimate best friends, strong women who continually
empower me to be the best version of myself, from academics to friendships
to service for others. I would not be the person or leader I am today without
their support, and I hope to instill this legacy of deep-rooted sisterhood into
every aspect of our chapter!

Name: Molly Barth

Position: Vice President 

Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas

Major: Government

Follow me on insta: @mollyrbarth

Fun Fact: I can read 4 languages! 

What do you do as Vice President?

My job is to run Programs Council! Programs Council is a group of about
40 girls who work together to plan all of the events and programming that
our chapter enjoys.

Future goals?

My dream is to go to law school and eventually become a constitutional lawyer!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Besides giving me an amazing group of friends, Zeta has helped me become
a more confident leader!

Name: Lara Koppel

Position: VPII New Member

Hometown: Southlake, TX 

Major: International Affairs and Global Relations

Follow me on insta: @larakopps

Fun Fact: I served a volunteer soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces for two months
after high school! Loved every minute of it, despite only eating tuna. 

What do you do as New Member?

I plan out bid day and make sure the new PC has the best bigs and the best
time at the University of Texas! I get to help our new pledge class find their home
at Zeta Tau Alpha and help them with any problems they have. My assistants
and I plan meetings and activities with the New members so they can get to know
each other as well as the older PC’s do!

Future goals?

I hope to one day be in the CIA or in the intelligence community. I would also be
good with being Anna Wintour’s personal assistant. 

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has brought me more than just best friends and constant fun, but also leadership
opportunities that have let me get involved in UT. I love being able to bond with so
many amazing girls while getting the opportunity to become involved in so many
different organizations. 

Name: Brooke Graves

Position: VPIII Recruitment Captain

Hometown: Heath, TX 

Major: Human Development & Family Sciences

Follow me on insta: @brooklyngraves7

Fun Fact: I cheered for UT my freshman year and loved every second of it!! 

What do you do as Recruitment Captain?

As recruitment Captain, I work to promote the legacy and Zeta sisterhood! I work with
my team to plan all recruitment activities, including when we welcome home all the new
members on bid day! 

Future goals?

I want to become a pediatric surgeon!!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

I am surrounded by women who push me to be my best self in Zeta. The level of
encouragement throughout the difficulties college brings is so unreal. I have made friendships
that will last a lifetime, been given opportunities that have helped me develop as a leader
and had so much fun along the way. 

Name: Mallory Richards

Position: Philanthropy Chair

Hometown: Dallas

Major: Communication and Leadership with a Minor in Interior Design 

Follow me on insta: @mallory_richards

Fun Fact: I was diagnosed with type one diabetes when I was 6 years old and wear an insulin
pump on my arm!

What do you do as philanthropy chair? 

I get to help our chapter bring recognition to our philanthropy which is Breast Cancer Education
and Awareness. My team and I get to organize and put on our fundraising events Big Man on
Campus in the spring and Queso For a Cure in the Fall!  

Future goals?

To hopefully become an event planner! Also, I hope to raise tons of awareness and educate as
many people as possible about Breast Cancer!  

How has being in Zeta impacted you?

Zeta has brought me the most amazing friends and sisters I could ask for. Our chapter has pushed
me to be the best person I can be and encouraged me to accomplish anything I want to. Zeta is a
home away from home.  

Name: Christine Hunt

Position: Standards

Hometown: El Campo, Texas

Major: Undeclared

Follow me on insta: @christine_hunt

Fun Fact: 

I’m a 4th generation longhorn! 

What do you do as standards?

As standards, I help to coordinate harm reduction and social practice educational programming
while working with other chapter members in risk prevention efforts. I also help coordinate events
for our chapter, making sure they are in a fun and safe environment, while maximizing the college
experience for all the members of our chapter!

Future goals?

I would love to attend law school after graduation and practice law in the state of Texas post grad!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Being in Zeta has given me love and devotion that cannot be replicated anywhere else. A
community of love, acceptance, and loyalty. I have met people who support me in all aspects
of life, always give me a shoulder to lean on, and people to go through the good and bad with. 

Name: Adriana Iademarco

Position: Treasurer

Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

Major: Accounting

Follow me on insta: @adrianaiademarco

Fun Fact: I am completely deaf in my right ear!

What do you do as Treasurer?

As Treasurer, I work on making sure that all the financial aspects of Zeta are correctly created
and managed. To start, I work with the budget in order to properly allocate funds to different events.
I use that information to correctly bill chapter members for their dues each month. Aside from that,
I am responsible for paying the bills for the house - including electricity, food, etc. 

Future goals?

My goal is to complete the Masters in Professional Accounting program at UT. Then, I would aspire
to work for a Big 4 accounting firm in either Dallas or Houston!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has provided me with a constant support system and life-long friendships. This chapter has
allowed me to constantly challenge myself to improve, while also making amazing memories with
my sisters!

Name: MaKayla Brown

Position: Rituals 

Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas

Major: Public Relations with a Minor in Interior Design

Follow me on insta: @makaylaabrownn

Fun Fact: I'm obsessed with diet Dr.Pepper ;)

What do you do as Rituals Chair?

As Rituals, I help continue the legacy that bonds all Zeta chapters together! I make sure our
chapter follows all the Fraternity ceremonies, including informing new and current members
about the symbolism and meaning behind our ritual activities. My team and I our in charge
of initiating of all our new members in the fall and get the honor of initiating our seniors into
alumni in the spring! I also help spread the word to others about the history of ZTA through
events like National Rituals Week and Post-Initiation Lessons. 

Future goals?

I am hoping to study abroad in Europe before my time at UT comes to an end! After college, I
hope to either work for an Advertising/PR firm or be an interior designer! 

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has given me a home away from home. I have met so many lifelong friends, and girls that I
can always count on to be there for me in times of good and bad. Being in Zeta has made this
huge university feel way smaller, and without my sisters, my college experience would not be
the same. Being apart of this sisterhood is one of a kind, and I would not trade it for the world! 

Name: Maddie Siedell

Position: Historian

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Major: Plan II & Studio Art

Follow me on insta: @maddiesiedell

Fun Fact: I was born on Christmas!

What do you do as Historian?

My job as historian is the oversee the social media for our chapter and express how amazing our
chapter really is through these platforms! 

Future goals?

My dream is to become an art director!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has given me the home base I needed at this big university. Being in Zeta constantly pushes
me grow into the woman I want to be! 

Name: Cameron Crivellari 

Position: House Manager 

Hometown: El Campo, TX 

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences 

Follow me on insta: cam_criv3

Fun Fact: I love to travel!! 

What do you do as house manager?

I’m in charge of keeping the ZTA house in check! Also, I get to work with the girls who live in the
house and make sure they're happy with everything. I love this position so much because I get to
help ensure that the ZTA house is the best it can possibly be! 

Future goals?

I want to be a Child Life Specialist. I want to work in hospitals helping children and families find
peace and joy during troubled times. 

How has being in Zeta impacted you?

Zeta has given me the best friends and leadership skills!! ZLAM! 

Name: Noura Daryani

Position: Scholastics Chair 

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, Pre-Dental

Follow me on insta: @nouradaryani

Fun Fact: I’m biking to Alaska summer of 2021 to spread hope and knowledge in the fight against
cancer!

What do you do as Scholastics Chair?

As Scholastics Chair, I do my best to motivate each of our members to strive towards academic
excellence through hard work and encouraging them to use the resources that are available to
them! I also host Professor Dinner every semester, a formal dinner at the house that enables our
members to get to know our wonderful professors that do so much for us!

Future goals?

After college, I want to attend Dental school in hopes of becoming a pediatric dentist!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

My favorite aspect of Zeta is the shared support each member has for each other. Zeta has given
me a love which reflects that of an extremely, extremely large family. It is an incredibly grateful
feeling knowing that you have a community of women that will never stop caring.

Name: Lillian Sachitano

Position: Panhellenic Delegate

Hometown: Beaumont, Texas

Major: Environmental Science

Follow me on insta: @lilsachitano

Fun Fact: I was the only person to come to UT from my high school in five years!

What do you do as Panhellenic Delegate?

As the Panhellenic Delegate for Zeta Tau Alpha, I serve as Zeta’s ambassador to the rest of the
greater fraternity/sorority community within UT. I attend regular Panhellenic Council meetings
with the delegates from other sororities, work alongside them to help Zeta work in harmony with
other groups on campus, and help make sure we’re abiding by all of UPC’s regulations. 

Future goals?

I want to master calligraphy and open a cute etsy shop! I’m still not sure what I want to do after
college, but with my major being EVS I want to do something good for the world!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

More than anything I think Zeta has helped my find out who I want to be and what kind of impact
I want to have on the world. The lifelong friendships I’ve made with girls that love me without
hesitation have shown me that I can do absolutely anything if I have enough determination!
I am oh so thankful for the selfless love these girls have shown me!

Name: Robin Graves

Position: Recording Secretary 

Hometown: Houston

Major: Advertising 

Follow me on insta: @robingraves_

Fun Fact: My names Robin and my cat’s name is Batman!

What do you do as Secretary? 

As Secretary for Zeta Tau Alpha I’m responsible for managing, disseminating and maintaining
chapter information and records.

Future goals?

Work for an ad agency as an art director!

How has being in Zeta impacted you? 

Zeta has given me an abundance of opportunities by getting involved on and off campus. I’m so
thankful to be apart of an organization that opens doors and friendships!