ZTA first recognized as social group after a gift of strawberries
By: Tiara Jefferson
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: News
A sorority is not only a college experience, but a commitment to an everlasting sisterhood and friendship. For those who chose to join a sorority it becomes a part of their family. This story will dig deeper into the "fraternity" whose motto is to "seek the noblest."
According to www.uh.edu/zta/facts.html, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) is known as a fraternity, not as a sorority. It was the intent of the Founders and confirmed by action at two early conventions that Zeta Tau Alpha be designated as a "fraternity". This was done to distinguish our organization from the sisterhoods organized in connection with men's fraternities, called "sororities". Zeta Tau Alpha has no "brother" fraternity.
ZTA was founded by nine women on Oct. 15, 1898 at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now Lonagwood University) in Farmville, VA. It's the third largest group in the National Panhellenic Conference. So far there are 200,000 members, 147 active collegiate chapters and 250 active alumnae chapters.
Their official Web site, www.zetataualpha.org, stated that the fraternity's purpose is to intensify friendships, promote happiness among its members and in every way to create such sentiments, to perform such deeds and to mold such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a nobler and purer womanhood in the world.
"ZTA mission statement is to make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual through innovative programming," said Jessica Patterson, Texas City junior and Theta Eta chapter president. "It emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth for women, with a commitment to friendship and the future based on the sisterhood, values and traditions of the past."
Patterson also said that she joined Zeta Tau Alpha because of its endless opportunities to grow as a leader and a person, and because she felt at home from the moment she surrounded herself with other members.
According to www.uh.edu/zta/facts.html, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) is known as a fraternity, not as a sorority. It was the intent of the Founders and confirmed by action at two early conventions that Zeta Tau Alpha be designated as a "fraternity". This was done to distinguish our organization from the sisterhoods organized in connection with men's fraternities, called "sororities". Zeta Tau Alpha has no "brother" fraternity.
ZTA was founded by nine women on Oct. 15, 1898 at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now Lonagwood University) in Farmville, VA. It's the third largest group in the National Panhellenic Conference. So far there are 200,000 members, 147 active collegiate chapters and 250 active alumnae chapters.
Their official Web site, www.zetataualpha.org, stated that the fraternity's purpose is to intensify friendships, promote happiness among its members and in every way to create such sentiments, to perform such deeds and to mold such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a nobler and purer womanhood in the world.
"ZTA mission statement is to make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual through innovative programming," said Jessica Patterson, Texas City junior and Theta Eta chapter president. "It emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth for women, with a commitment to friendship and the future based on the sisterhood, values and traditions of the past."
Patterson also said that she joined Zeta Tau Alpha because of its endless opportunities to grow as a leader and a person, and because she felt at home from the moment she surrounded herself with other members.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Shelley
posted 11/09/09 @ 10:15 AM CST
This is a wonderful article! It is nice to see our paper recognizing the true purpose of our panhellenic sororities rather than perpetuating stereotypes. (Continued…)
Toni
posted 11/10/09 @ 4:51 PM CST
I agree with Shelley! It is WONDERFUL to see the Pine Log delving into the true mission of ZTA and I look forward to reading about the other 4 NPC groups on campus soon!
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