Sorority Spotlight ’16-’17: Kappa Alpha Theta

1. What makes your chapter special?

The key word Theta uses to describe our chapter is genuine. Everything we do as a chapter focuses on the authenticity of our chapter. We totally embrace the diversity of our chapter, and consider it one of our biggest strengths. We try to emphasize the authenticity of our sisterhood; we are all different, and we are always striving to learn more about our sisters and be better sisters! Our motto is “Leading Women,” and I definitely think anyone can see that when they look at our chapter. Our chapter is full of women who have leadership positions, whether it’s within Theta or another campus organization (some of our women are on executive boards within and outside of Theta)! Living by this motto is extremely important to all of us, because it reminds us that Theta is more than 4 years, it’s for life.

1. What is your favorite memory as a house?

A lot of our favorite memories come from the bonding experiences we have where we are able to create more connections with our sisters! We always look forward to our sisterhood retreats. This year we went to the Crayola Factory, and while we had a great time making crayons in the shape of dinosaurs, we also loved the conversations and activities that we had during our time there. The year before, we went to the Jersey Shore! It may have been freezing cold, but we still had a blast just being with our sisters!

Some more of our favorite memories come from traditions such as Big Little Reveal, where our new members find out their new Big Sister, other sisterhood events such as outings to Build-A-Bear or Color Me Mine, or sisterhood/leadership workshops with Lehigh faculty such as Rita Jones from the Women’s Center.

1. What is your house’s favorite meal that your chef makes?

    Mac and cheese and breaded chicken cutlets for sure!

1. What is your chapter’s philanthropy? What are your biggest events on campus?

    Kappa Alpha Theta’s national philanthropy is CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA volunteers build stable relationships with foster children and ensure that every child can live in a safe and permanent home. One of our newer and most successful events is Candyland for CASA, where students go around Lamberton, participating in different games and activities hosted by different organizations, both Greek and non-affiliated. Our goal for this event is to showcase various aspects of campus involvement while also raising money for our philanthropy CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. We also host Kicks for CASA in the Spring, which is a 5v5 soccer tournament and is open for all students!

1. What is your house’s GPA?

In the Spring of 2016, our overall chapter GPA was 3.306.

1. How do members deal with the financial commitment of being apart of Greek Life?

We try to be as transparent as possible about the financial commitment of being a part of a sorority right from the get-go. Our Chief Financial Officer hosts office hours within the first week of New Member Education in which new members can talk about any and every financial concern they may have. Additionally, we offer a Payment Plan for our members in which members can opt to pay their dues in 3 smaller installments over a period of time as opposed to 1 larger installment. Lastly, Kappa Alpha Theta Nationals offers scholarships for non-dues related expenses, so while they can’t be used to pay dues, they’re there to alleviate other college expenses such as textbooks so that paying dues can be easier.

1. What is the most important thing you would want a PNM to know before going through recruitment?

Don’t be scared! It can be intimidating, but we all went through the process as well and understand how stressful it can be. Make it as fun as possible! Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself and be authentic. Don’t base your choice based on stereotypes; join the chapter that you feel is the best fit for you! And most of all, you will end up where you are meant to be.

• Lehigh Sorority Spotlight