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

• Assistant Director of Chapter Services Ansley Howze now oversees the Fraternity’s college recruitment/Panhellenic and member development programs. Please direct all recruitment-related and member development-related inquiries to Ansley.
• Assistant Director of Chapter Services Margaret Burke has taken on new responsibilities and special projects within chapter services, including Golden Kite expectations and scoring committee, Grand Convention Excellence Awards/Golden Kite Expectations task force, Canada workgroup, and other special projects as assigned.

Workforce Updates

• Laura Locke, college committee chairman, is pleased to announce that Grand Council has appointed Ashley Freeman Doot, Eta Rho/James Madison, as college district director (CDD) in College District VI. Ashley will replace Taryn Dorfman Vieweger who resigned after serving as CDD for the past three years. Ashley’s appointment is effective immediately.
• Kelly Stafford, alumnae district director (ADD) in Alumnae District II, has decided to resign from her ADD role due to increasing work commitments. Kelly will remain in office until Council appoints her replacement. If you are interested in this role, please submit the Volunteer Interest Indicator form after logging on to our website.

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:

• Wear your badge or letters on Monday and share a photo to social media using #HearHerHarvard.
• Share a photo from your college days to the hashtag.
• Reflect on how your sorority experience has shaped you and how your life has been changed for the better by your sorority sisters and share a photo using #HerHerHarvard.

Thank you for your advocacy on this important matter! Direct any questions to Digital Media Manager Lauren Palmer.

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• Previous Updates