Industry Update Provided by NPC

National Review reports on whether social fraternal organizations should be blamed for rising COVID cases on campuses. This report is based on a Martin Center article, where North Carolina State University student Megan Zogby examines that campus outbreaks can’t be fully placed on students, but rather on university administrations who are not enforcing strict guidelines.

Grand Council Action

At its Friday, Feb. 12, meeting Grand Council took the following action: 

• Received reports on government relations, housing, and Theta Foundation;
• Considered a sprinkler loan and officer appointments; 
• Discussed preliminary plans for Grand Convention 2022; and
• Set aside non-member income to be used for educational purposes.

Record-Breaking Theta Foundation Donation

Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is thrilled to announce a $500,000 gift for merit-based scholarships from Ann McIlrath Drake, Beta Omicron/Iowa. This investment will establish the Ann McIlrath Drake Educational Scholarship Endowment Fund and beginning in 2021, Theta Foundation will recognize the “Drake Scholars” in perpetuity.

The gift was received at the conclusion of 2020, Theta’s sesquicentennial year, and is the largest, non-bequest gift Theta Foundation has received in the organization’s history. Undergraduates and alumnae alike are eligible for these merit-based scholarships and those eligible to apply can do so now. 

This gift is one in a generous history of giving from Drake to Theta Foundation. During 2014, Drake established the Nancy Ross Perry Scholarship in memory of her dear Theta sister and friend. Most recently, Drake gifted $100,000 in the spring of 2020. This generous donation allowed Theta Foundation to provide additional, critical support to Theta sisters amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Theta Foundation 2021 Scholarship Application Deadline Reminder

Spread the word: The deadline for Theta Foundation’s 2021 Scholarship Application is coming up soon! More than $800,000 is available to support members pursuing undergraduate and graduate study during the 2021-2022 academic year. All applications and recommendation forms are due by 6 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 3. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the resources on Theta’s website, including upcoming help sessions. Please contact Theta Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith with questions. 

Workforce Opportunity

The recruitment committee is looking for a recruitment and Panhellenic district director (RPDD) to work with College District XII. If you or someone you know has a special interest/skill in supporting college chapters with recruitment and Panhellenic matters, please submit/encourage them to submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator in Theta Portal under Forms. Questions about the role and responsibilities can be forwarded to Recruitment Committee Chairman Christine McDonald or Assistant Director of Collegiate Services Brittany Booth.

Theta Blogs

• Ditch Imposter Syndrome: Recognize and Activate Your Talents
• Welcome Home, Gamma Iota!
• Kappa Alpha Theta Receives Graduway Impact Award

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• New Volunteers
• Previous Updates
• Coronavirus Update
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 
• ThetaConnect