Who is ZTA?
Zeta Tau Alpha was founded Oct. 15, 1898, at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia. We now have almost 240,000 initiated members, 164 active collegiate chapters and 238 alumnae chapters across the country.
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation is the philanthropic and fund raising arm of the Fraternity. The ZTAF leads our efforts in breast cancer education and awareness, provides more than $700,000 in scholarships annually, and sponsors educational and leadership opportunities for our members and others.
The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation is the largest in the Panhellenic world and provides safe, secure and competitive housing for all our collegiate members.
We hope you’ll explore our website to find additional information about our organization, philanthropy, events and programming.
From the charter granted to Zeta Tau Alpha by the State of Virginia, March 15, 1902: The object of said association shall be to intensify friendship, promote happiness among its members, and in every way to create such sentiments, to perform such deeds, and to mould such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a nobler and purer womanhood in the world.
The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha:
To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives; to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, devotion to the Right, the Good, and the True, without a discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was Love, “the greatest of all things.” -- Written by Shirley Kreasan Strout, adopted by the 1928 ZTA Convention.
Mission Statement:
To make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual through innovative programming, which emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth for women, with a commitment to friendship and the future based on the sisterhood, values and traditions of the past.
Purpose:
The purpose of Zeta Tau Alpha is the intensifying of friendship, the fostering of a spirit of love, the creating of such sentiments, the performing of such deeds, and the moulding of such opinions as will be conducive to the building up of a purer and nobler womanhood in the world.
Open Motto:
“Seek the Noblest”
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation is the philanthropic and fund raising arm of the Fraternity. The ZTAF leads our efforts in breast cancer education and awareness, provides more than $700,000 in scholarships annually, and sponsors educational and leadership opportunities for our members and others.
The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation is the largest in the Panhellenic world and provides safe, secure and competitive housing for all our collegiate members.
We hope you’ll explore our website to find additional information about our organization, philanthropy, events and programming.
From the charter granted to Zeta Tau Alpha by the State of Virginia, March 15, 1902: The object of said association shall be to intensify friendship, promote happiness among its members, and in every way to create such sentiments, to perform such deeds, and to mould such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a nobler and purer womanhood in the world.
The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha:
To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives; to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, devotion to the Right, the Good, and the True, without a discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was Love, “the greatest of all things.” -- Written by Shirley Kreasan Strout, adopted by the 1928 ZTA Convention.
Mission Statement:
To make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual through innovative programming, which emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth for women, with a commitment to friendship and the future based on the sisterhood, values and traditions of the past.
Purpose:
The purpose of Zeta Tau Alpha is the intensifying of friendship, the fostering of a spirit of love, the creating of such sentiments, the performing of such deeds, and the moulding of such opinions as will be conducive to the building up of a purer and nobler womanhood in the world.
Open Motto:
“Seek the Noblest”
Chapter History- Kappa Chi:
Our chapter was installed on December 3, 2005 as the 236th link of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, the 3rd largest National sorority. In the state of Georgia, ZTA chapters can be found at University of Georgia, Brenau University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College and State University, Augusta State University, Valdosta State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Reinhardt University.
Zeta Tau Alpha at Shorter University encourages each of our members to find what they love and pursue all that God, Shorter, and life has to offer. Since our establishment over 13 years ago, ZTA members have been a part of: Student Government Association, Miss Shorter University, Shorter Choral, Shorter University Cheerleaders, Track, Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Golf, Shorter Orientation Staff, Shorter Relations Society, Shorter Marching Hawks, and Resident Assistants.
In ZTA, we also understand that our members are at Shorter for a reason: to succeed academically! ZTA places a huge importance on grades and academic achievement. ZTA earned 1st Place in Scholarship out of all student organizations and remains above the all-campus average 12 semesters in a row!
The Kappa Chi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha has a reputation of excellence on campus, statewide, and even nationally.
National History:
On Oct. 15, 1898, nine young friends at Virginia State Female Normal School formalized their friendship by forming Zeta Tau Alpha.
ZTA’s future Founders all attended Virginia State Female Normal School to pursue an education in teaching. Away from home for the first time, these 15- and 16-year-old women longed for the companionship of close friends. Drawn together by similar beliefs and backgrounds, they were a lively group of fun yet earnest students. Fearing the unique quality of their friendship would fade without a formal bond to sustain it, the women contemplated their future.
Maud Jones wrote: “For a whole year before our sorority was established, the need of such an organization was strongly felt. There were six or seven of us who used to frequently meet together and talk over and try to devise some way by which we could unite into a helpful and congenial band. We knew we sadly needed something, but we had no idea just how that something was to be found. The beginning of session 1898-1899 found our little crowd again at the Normal and just as eager as before, if not more, to find something to satisfy our desires.”
Spurred by the appearance of Kappa Delta and Sigma Sigma Sigma on their campus, and Alice Coleman’s invitation to join another women’s fraternity, the women decided to form their own.
To guide them in the process, they turned to the brothers of two members. Maud Jones’ brother, Plummer Jones, was a member of Kappa Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa at the College of William and Mary. Frances Yancey Smith’s brother, Giles Mebane Smith, was a member of Phi Theta Psi and Phi Beta Kappa at William and Mary. Both were familiar with the fraternity system and had great knowledge of Greek lore.
Smith suggested the name Zeta Tau Alpha, from the initial letters of the Greek motto upon which the organization is built. He also helped in selecting the badge, the motto, and the patron goddess, Themis. Plummer Jones revised the constitution, the original having been written by his sister. He also developed the ritual, including the initiation ceremony, the oath and the opening and closing of meetings.
In an attempt to maintain anonymity, the women began formal meetings in secret. But even candlelight nighttime rendezvous in the ladies’ room could not camouflage their existence. Finally, they planned an Oyster Stew Announcement Party inspired by some oysters sent by Ethel and Alice Coleman’s father. Their group, however, did not have a name.
A temporary name—three question marks—was inspired by a member of one of the other groups on campus. As the girls crossed paths one day, she raised her eyebrows and formed a question mark with her fingers. “Who are you?” she asked. In unison the girls responded, “Yes, Who? Who? Who?” So before Zeta Tau Alpha became Zeta Tau Alpha, it was known as “???.”
The first minute book of regular Fraternity meetings states Zeta Tau Alpha was organized Oct. 15, 1898, at the State Female Normal School. It also states the colors, flower and motto, which was written in Greek then translated. Maud Jones was the first elected President after the group was officially named Zeta Tau Alpha. She was the acknowledged leader of the group and was also President during the ??? period
National Philanthropy:
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation fulfills the founding principles of our Fraternity by providing support for programsthat are educational, philanthropic and leadership-oriented. Zeta Tau Alpha’s National Philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.
Think Pink® –Think Pink® is the umbrella theme for all of our breast cancer education and awareness projects. Chapters distribute Think Pink® ribbons, breast self-examination (BSE) calendar stickers and breast health tip cards throughout the year.
National Think Pink Partners Zeta Tau Alpha partners on a national level with several prestigious organizations in the fight against breast cancer.
Pink Out – Each year, Zeta Tau Alpha chapters across the country host Think Pink® or Pink Out games with their university athletic departments to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Think Pink® –Think Pink® is the umbrella theme for all of our breast cancer education and awareness projects. Chapters distribute Think Pink® ribbons, breast self-examination (BSE) calendar stickers and breast health tip cards throughout the year.
National Think Pink Partners Zeta Tau Alpha partners on a national level with several prestigious organizations in the fight against breast cancer.
- American Cancer Society®: Through our premier partnership with American Cancer Society®, ZTA is the National Survivor Ambassador of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®. At the nearly 300 Making Strides walks held each October in communities across the country, Zetas provide assistance and focus on survivor recognition. Over time, we will help grow the survivor recognition program at these events.
- National Football League: Since 1999, Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and collegiate members have worked with all 32 NFL teams to increase awareness of breast cancer at professional football games. ZTA is an official fan outreach partner of the National Football League. Beginning with the Washington Redskins in 1999, Zetas have helped spread the message of breast cancer awareness to over 5 million football fans across the country.
- Bright Pink®: To educate, equip and empower our members to be advocates for their own breast and ovarian health, we’ve partnered with Bright Pink®, a national nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. We bring the Brighten Up® Educational Workshop to each of our collegiate chapters. Interested alumnae chapters are encouraged to join collegians for this fun and informative workshop. We plan to grow this program over time to include Panhellenic women and others in the campus community.
Pink Out – Each year, Zeta Tau Alpha chapters across the country host Think Pink® or Pink Out games with their university athletic departments to raise awareness for breast cancer.
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