News from the Industry
US News and World Report and Inside Higher Ed both offer reporting on the “Call for Critical Change” meeting, which the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) launched in Indianapolis this week. Lauren Camera, education reporter for US News, wrote: “Notably, the public indignation [of recent student deaths and hazing incidents] has been aimed squarely at fraternities, not sororities. But sorority leaders have been quick to embrace the notion that their organizations are inextricably linked to fraternities in the sense that they both equally represent Greek life and its ethos.” The pieces include comment from Carole Jones, NPC chairman; Holly McKiernan, Lumina Foundation COO and facilitator of the meeting; and Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student life at Texas Christian University. (Note: NPC officials also conducted interviews with reporters at the Associated Press and The Philadelphia Inquirer.)
The Philadelphia Inquirer—among other outlets—reports that the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has agreed to take over the manslaughter case against former Penn State fraternity members accused in last February’s hazing death of a pledge. Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office announced Monday that it would take the case from the new Centre County district attorney, Bernard Cantorna, who said he had a conflict of interest that prevented him from prosecuting it.
Four New York City men were given jail sentences Monday in the death of a 19-year-old fraternity pledge during a 2013 hazing ritual in Pennsylvania, with a judge saying she believes they succumbed to “brainwashing” and “indoctrination” that is rampant at fraternities around the nation. The decision was covered by the Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, NPR, Fox News and others.
Staff Responsibility Changes
Workforce Updates
Workforce Contact Update
Barbara Ennis, alumnae district director in Alumnae District I, will be away from her Theta desk from Jan. 15 through Jan. 29. Direct any questions for Alumnae District I to Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Drake in her absence.
High Five Friday Volunteers
Have you worked with an exceptional fellow volunteer recently (either collegian or alumna)? Consider nominating her for High Five Friday! Email her name and role to Laura Stelsel, assistant director of alumnae engagement. And a very special thank you to YOU for all of the work you do on behalf of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Foundation Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
Theta Foundation’s Quarter 3 Chapter and Individual Grant application deadline is this Thursday, Jan. 18. We are also excited to share that the 2018 Scholarship Application is now available! The application and recommendation forms are due on Wednesday, March 7. Both applications are posted on Theta Foundation’s Apply Now page. Thank you for spreading the word about these opportunities! Please direct any questions about Theta Foundation programs to Programs Manager Mary Kate Kronzer.
Social Media Snapshot
Supporting Our Sisters at Harvard: Please mark your calendar for Monday, Jan. 22, to share your support for our Panhellenic sisters at Harvard. Theta’s Harvard chapter, along with the Delta Gamma and Alpha Phi chapters on campus, will soon enter their first recruitment season under Harvard’s new sanctions against single-gender groups. Theta headquarters is organizing a social media campaign to encourage unaffiliated Harvard women to consider registering for recruitment by asking Panhellenic women to reflect on the positive impact their sorority experience has had on their personal development, professional success, and friendship support system. Here’s how you can participate:
Thank you for your advocacy on this important matter! Direct any questions to Digital Media Manager Lauren Palmer.
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