Sad News 

We are sorry to share that Director of Communications/Editor Liz Appel Rinck’s father passed away on Feb. 11, 2019. Bill Appel was also the father-in-law of IT Manager Jeff Rinck. Notes of condolence should be sent to Theta headquarters.

Industry Update Provided by NPC

Multiple media outlets, including the Associated Press, The Boston Globe, and The Daily Caller (among others), covered Harvard’s motion to dismiss pending lawsuit(s) challenging the legality of Harvard’s policy of sanctions against members of single-gender organizations. Dani Weatherford, CEO of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), also joined Fox News radio to discuss the latest regarding the lawsuit and Harvard’s policy.

In an adaptation of her new book, Fraternity: An Inside Look at a Year of College Boys Becoming Men, Alexandra Robbins writes for The Atlantic, discussing the complex motivations undergirding the actions of men in fraternities. VICE also interviewed Robbins with a Q&A that unpacks her time reporting and researching for the book, the difference between what she describes as high- and low-risk fraternities, what makes the institutions so “American,” and more.

The parents of Timothy Piazza, the Penn State student who died due to hazing, have settled with the university and sued 28 members of the fraternity they say contributed towards their son’s death. CNN and other local outlets offered coverage.

Workforce Update 

With changes coming to the NPC structure, all NPC and Panhellenic questions should be sent to Assistant Director of Collegiate Services Ansley Howze and Recruitment Committee Chairman Kara VanDuzee who will resolve or route to the correct people. Special thanks to Christa Sobon who concludes her service as a short-term leader of the Theta Panhellenic workgroup prior to this transition. 

Theta Branding

Chapter-specific Theta graphics are available to all chapters in ChapterSpot HQDocs. The folders are labeled by Chapter Name (college or alumnae) – Marketing Resources. Brand Resource for Chapters and general Theta graphics are available in ChapterSpot HQDocs in the Marketing Resources folder. For all workforce members, graphics, templates, and Brand Resource for Staff and Volunteers are available in Igloo > Files > Resources > 2018 Brand Resources. Word templates are available in Igloo > Files > Resources > Word Document Templates. If you see any branding from before May 2018 being used, please remind the source that new branding is available and should be used.

February Vendor of the Month

Visit Theta’s Shop page to check out the February Vendor of the Month: Ali & Ariel! During the month of February, receive 15 percent off your purchase by using the code THETALOVE on any individual purchases from their Shell Shack. If you’d like to see a vendor featured on the Theta website, contact Kristi Tucker, assistant director of alumnae engagement.

Winter Collegian and Alumnae Service Trips 2019

Kappa Alpha Theta is conducting two service trips this winter, one for collegians and one for alumnae. We looked for Thetas in good standing with the Fraternity who are interested in making real and lasting change by spreading the widest influence for good. We gave preference to registrants who are from different chapters as well as to members of chapters that have never been on the trip before. Seven students attended the Winter Collegian Service Trip Jan. 7-12, 2019 and six alumnae will attend the Alumnae Service Trip Feb. 14-18, 2019. 

We would like to acknowledge and thank the facilitators who volunteered their time to join us for the service trips this winter.

Winter Collegian Service Trip

• Amy Ferree, Beta Gamma/Colorado State
• Natalie Padron, Zeta Eta/Wofford

Alumnae Service Trip

• Yianna Kappas, Delta Phi/Clemson
• Laura Richardson, Beta Tau/Denison 

Follow along on Theta’s social media channels with #ThetaService! If you have any questions regarding any Service Trips, please contact Victoria Stankus, assistant director of education and leadership. 

Recent Theta Blog

February 2019 Vendor of the Month: Ali & Ariel

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