president’s message - kappa alpha theta’s message: chrystelle zweidler rowley (alpha phi)...
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Fall 2013 Washington DC/Suburban Maryland Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:Chrystelle Zweidler Rowley (Alpha Phi)
2012-2013 has also brought new energy to our chapter with the installation of several new board members. Read more about these dynamic women and other board members in the articles by them below! Thank you to all of our members for making these and all of our events fun and successful. I want to especially thank Alicia Lee for her dedication and hard work these past years. We will miss her and wish her all the best in her new endeavor in Houston, TX.
We had a beautiful Founders Day celebration at the elegant Washington Club in Dupont Circle. Thanks again to Moni Upham for hosting us there! It was a great opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Our guest speaker was Melodee Hanes (Delta Lambda/University of Utah), Acting Administrator of DoJ’s Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention, and we raised over $700 for the Friendship Fund.
Through participation in our alumnae chapter, we not only support each other but also our community. At our annual Holiday Party, we contributed gift cards to provide presents for CASA children. We have raised over $600, through raffle drawings at Founders’ day brunch and the Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion Trends event as well as the sale of our distinct D.C. Theta t-shirts. We continued our mentoring program this summer to assist Theta college women interning in our Capitol. I am looking forward to the events we have planned for the upcoming year, including a Signature Charity Happy Hour. If you are interested in getting more involved in these or other events, please contact me at [email protected].
A Note From The Alumnae District Director, Kellie DickersonAs the summer winds down I am so happy that I was asked to
update you on Theta, both around the district and also within the fraternity as a whole. It has been a busy year in Theta, but I think that you will agree, that the fraternity is on a course that will lead us moving forward in an exciting way.
Earlier this year, Grand Council approved the reorganization of the fraternity’s district structure. The collegiate chapters are still organized into the 10 Districts that you may be familiar with. The Alumnae Groups are now organized into 15 Districts. We are in Alumnae District III which includes VA, DC, MD, PA & DE. This meant we said goodbye to the chapters in NJ and NC, but welcomed the alumnae chapters in the rest of PA. We are now a diverse group of 13 chapters.
By now you have all seen the fraternity’s new tag line, “Leading Women”. The response that I have received has been overwhelmingly positive. While most women recognized our former tagline, “True Promise”, there were inconsistencies in its interpretation. I think “Leading Women” encompasses so much of who we are and what we do as a group of women.
The Fraternity also launched a redesigned website in August. The URL/Address is still the same, but the site has gotten a much needed facelift. Our website has two main purposes; to educate non-Theta’s about who we are and to serve as a resource to existing members. We are definitely interested in hearing feedback on the design, so if you have any thoughts, comments or suggestions, please let me know!
One of my absolute favorite topics is Extension! Theta will be colonizing several new and reestablished chapters this upcoming year.
Most exciting, is the re-establishment of the Zeta Chi Chapter at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. When Zeta Chi closed its doors
in 2009, Theta entered into a development program with Johns Hopkins that would allow us to recolonize under the right conditions, without having to formally propose our return. Recruitment will be September 15-17 and more information will be forthcoming. In addition to Zeta
Chi, Theta will also establish new chapters at Tufts, St. Louis and NC State this Fall.
Grand Convention is scheduled for next June and is the time when delegates come from around the world to conduct the business of the fraternity. During this time, the convention body will vote on legislation and install the next biennium’s Grand Council. The event is open to all Theta’s. If you have not had a chance to attend Convention in the past, I encourage you to consider joining us in Orlando.
In closing, let me thank you for your participation in Theta and the alumnae chapter. Your officers have worked hard to plan a calendar of events that will appeal to a wide range of interests. They, however, cannot do the work of the chapter alone, so I ask that you consider volunteering to serve on a committee or offering a helping hand with Founders Day. There is something for everyone, so please let us know how you are willing to help or what events you would like to see the chapter plan.
Zeta Lambda
College of Charleston
1994
Our outgoing President Debora Lyon and Founders Day
speaker Melodee Hanes
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September 15, 1:30 - 3:30 PM Join us for a potluck brunch at Shellie Bressler's house. Bring a dish to share. Not a cook? We also need drinks, cups, plates, utensils, and napkins. RSVP with your dish and for the address. Nearest Metro: Union Station (Red Line) or Capitol South (Blue/Orange Line). Street parking available.
We will be collecting back-to-school supplies for Garrison Elementary, where Geralynne Papa (Psi/Wisconsin) teaches.
Garrison is a diverse DC public school located in the U Street neighborhood serving students grades Pre-school through 5th grade. It is a small, community based school, where almost all students live within a few blocks and walk to school. It is a Title I school, with the majority of students being low income, meaning many students come to school without all of the supplies they need for the school year. Any donation of yours is greatly appreciated; the staff and students will be very thankful! Suggested items include: pencils, scissors, tissue, erasers (eraser tops or the large ones), Post-its, markers, crayons, index cards, glue sticks, disinfectant wipes, spiral or composition notebooks, and backpacks.
WELCOME BACK POTLUCK BRUNCH201 Third St, NE - corner of 3rd and Constitution - Washington, D.C.
Collegiate UpdateThe Gamma Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta is looking forward to their
upcoming semester. We ended last semester with the 2nd highest GPA in Greek life and the highest GPA for new pledge classes. We are extremely proud of our new members and love to have their enthusiasm and excitement in the chapter. This upcoming semester we will be having our second annual Queso for Casa as well as a joint event supporting Teal Toes with the Alumnae chapter in early September. We are also having a community service event with the DC Alumnae Chapter in late October during which we will be volunteering with the SOME organization. Further we are excited to be co-sponsoring Breast Fest this fall with the Kappa Alpha Fraternity on Wednesday October 16th to support Breast Cancer Research.
Happy Fall!- Anna Cardoni
Panhellenic UpdateThe Spring and Summer seasons have brought a few exciting things to the
Alumnae Panhellenic Association of Washington, DC. Two lovely ladies were named D.C. Panhellenic scholarship winners, including a Theta, Miss Katherine Monks! Turnover happened recently and the new positions are: Nancy Carman, Alpha Xi Delta, President; Candice Marshall, Alpha Delta Pi, Vice President; Amanda Lang and Melissa Coughlin, Gamma Phi Beta, Treasurer; Jessica Hess, Sigma Kappa, Secretary.
- Meredith Caldwell
Mentoring Program This summer's DC Kappa Alpha Theta Mentoring program paired Theta collegiates with Theta alumni members here in the DC area. The goal of the program is to connect collegiate Thetas with the world after college and provide them with experiences and resources for their future endeavors. We had 38 mentees sign up and 40 mentors. The collegiates represented a total of 32 universities across the country and the mentors representing graduates and Theta women serving in different careers such as non-profits, federal government, financial institutions, and lobbying firms. The summer's events included an ice-cream social, picnic on the mall, and a networking panel consisting of Thetas in various careers.
- Emmalee Kearney & Kendra Miller
Mentees and Mentors at our Ice-cream
social
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Service/Philanthropy Update
To commemorate Theta's National Day of Service, we decorated homemade Halloween cookies for the D.C. CASA teen moms and the youth in their family treatment court programs. While we might have lacked in decorating skills, we didn't in spirit. We frosted and sprinkled with passion. The CASA staff loved our cookies so much they put them in their holiday PowerPoint presentation. We also collected gift cards for the over-18 CASA of D.C. children. On a freezing cold January day, we gathered at the Arlington National Cemetery to pick up all the wreaths placed by the organization Wreaths across America to remember our fallen heroes. We once again assisted the National Park rangers around the Tidal Basin by informing the visitors to help in the protection our famous Cherry Trees during the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival and answering visitor questions.
The Gamma Mu's of the University of Maryland co-hosted their third annual Run For Love, a 5k race raising money and awareness for Yeardley Love, a UVA Theta who was murdered in a domestic violence incident. The Alumnae decided to walk, leaving the running to the younger and in better shape college students.
This year, the National Capital FIJI Alumni chapter joined us in raising $130 for the National Kidney foundation, through a fun charity happy hour where even some D.C. United soccer players attended. Despite the drizzling rain, the Kidney Kickers team led by Vivianne Pommier (GW Theta Alumna) enjoyed strolling along the Georgetown harbor followed by a nice brunch at Le Pain Quotidien.
- Chrystelle Zweidler Rowley
Book ClubTheta National Announces a
Book Club for everyone! In the Summer, the Kappa
Alpha Theta magazine, they announced a "Reading Women" book club. There are 6 books - one read every 2 months - we hope our DC/MD Book Club can join in and read our own books in the alternate months. (Only 5 books are listed b/c the 6th is waiting to be announced at Convention.)
For our first fall book, we will reading Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. What could be a better book for Thetas to read, think about and discuss? I can't think of a better book for Thetas right out of college and for those who have been around the block a few times, especially in Washington, DC!
September 23rdLean In by Sheryl Sandberg
October 21stThe First Husband by Laura Dave (Beta
Eta/Pennsylvania)
NovemberThe Women who Raised Me by Victoria
RowellDecember
TBD
JanuaryCode Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
FebruaryTBD
MarchThe Year of Magical Thinking by Joan
Didion
AprilTBD
MayTruth like the Sun by Jim Lynch
JuneTBD
Regular Book Club meetings are the 3rd Monday of each month. Place: Chads
(formerly Chadwicks of Friendship Heights) 5247 Wisconsin Ave NW, DC Nearest Metro: Friendship Heights (across from Metro elevator) (Red Line). Parking is available in the basement for $6.
**Visit www.dcthetas.org for the links to Amazon’s sale of each book**
Holiday Party at the National Zoo
Lights
National Kidney Walk
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Are you on “The List”All of our events are listed on our website, and each interest group also has a listserv managed by a member of our Board. To get information about your favorite groups delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to be on their list!
Bethesda Lunch Leader: Gloria Williams [email protected] D.C. Lunch Bunch: Interested in being the Chair? Contact Chrystelle Zweidler Rowley, [email protected] Book Club: Bonnie Whyte [email protected] City KATS: Virginia Houston [email protected] Service Events: Lauren Bronec and Elyse Toplin [email protected] Summer Intern Mentoring and Networking: Emmalee Kearney and Kendra Miller [email protected].
Are you a Kappa Alpha Theta Life Loyal?Being a part of Kappa Alpha Theta starts in college, but it doesn’t end there. The good friends, the laughter, the loyalty—everything that makes Theta the wonderful experience it is—that’s for a lifetime. Believing in the true worth and merit of Kappa Alpha Theta, Life Loyal members have chosen to remain linked to our sisterhood long after their college years. Through the Life Loyal program, they are committed to helping Theta foster dear friendships and nurture hopes and dreams for generations to come. Kappa Alpha Theta Life Loyal is a program that was developed to provide enhanced services to members and to recognize those who support the Fraternity financially. Believing in the true worth and merit of
Kappa Alpha Theta, Life Loyal members are helping to create ethical, social, and educational programs that develop women of integrity and character. Loyal members are exempt from paying annual alumnae dues to the Fraternity and receive a lifetime subscription to The Kappa Alpha Theta Magazine. In addition, as a Life Loyal member you will receive many exclusive benefits for a one-time, membership fee. For more information visit http://www.thetalifeloyal.org/index.cfm.
Pay your dues by November 1st and you will be entered into a drawing for a free ticket to Founders Day!
Heather Schwenk and her new son Winston
Nationals Game
Picking up wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
FoundersDay
50 Year ThetasCity KATs
Brunch
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Emily BarkdollLambda/University of Vermont
Emily is the Communications Chair. A Maryland native, Emily graduated from the University of Vermont in 2011 where she was a founding sister of the re-colonized Lambda chapter. Emily works as an executive assistant to the CEO of a small firm but enjoys spending any free time she has exploring DC with her friends and eating as much seafood as possible. Emily will soon start studying for the GRE with plans to attend graduate school in fall of 2014.
Elyse ToplinAlpha Phi/Tulane
Elyse is the Service and Philanthropy Co- Chair. A DC-area native, Elyse graduated from Tulane University in 2012 and returned to DC with a new appreciation for public service, and frozen yogurt, as well as an understanding of the true meaning of hot weather (hint: not this!). By day, she works in non-profit fundraising, and by night, loves exploring new neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants. She will soon begin training for her 7th half marathon, and recently completed her 1st Mud Run.
Lauren BronecBeta Rho/Duke University
Lauren is also Service and Philanthropy Co-Chair. She graduated in May of 2012 with a B.A in Psychology and a certificate of & Management. Despite hailing originally from Chapel Hill, NC, she has been a lifelong Duke blue devil and loves watching the men's basketball games every season. Currently she resides in Arlington, VA and works as a management consultant for Accenture. In her spare time she loves all outdoor activities, cooking, spending time with friends, and traveling (both within the US and outside).
Meredith CaldwellKappa/University of Kansas
Meredith is the Panhellenic Representative. She graduated in 2011 and moved to DC shortly thereafter. She first became involved with the D.C./MD Alumnae chapter co-planning the 2013 Founders Day. Meredith currently works as an administrative assistant at the University of Texas System Office of Federal Relations near the White House. In her spare time she can be found at fun concerts around the DMV area, or sampling something yummy in this "foodie" city. She
loves the monuments at night and going on adventures to any place something unique or exciting is offered, with her Theta "besties" of course!
Erica HillsBeta Iota/University of Colorado
Erica is the Social Media Outreach Representative. Erica was born and raised in Northern New Mexico where she grew up skiing and playing competitive soccer. Her love for the outdoors brought her to the University of Colorado where she graduated in 2010.
She then moved to D.C. where she earned her M.S. in Finance. Erica now works at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor to both individuals and corporations. During her free time, she enjoys eating her way through the various DC neighborhoods, traveling to exotic countries, and training for half marathons. In the fall, Erica will be traveling to Kruger National Park in South Africa, and upon her return, she will start training for her 1st marathon.
Ally O'ConnellAlpha Tau/Cincinnati
Ally is the Corresponding Secretary of the DC Alumnae Chapter. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Ally is a classic southern gal who loves boots, bows, and barbecue! Ally graduated from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati in 2012, and is excited to make DC her new home. She spends her days on the Hill, and her nights making new friends and exploring new places in DC. Ally adores anything Texas (especially the UT Longhorn Football!), traveling, puppies, Beyoncé, and her Theta sisters. Most of all, she is excited to be an active Theta alum!
Virginia HoustonEpsilon Zeta/University of Mississippi
Virginia is the City KATs Chair. A native east Tennessean, her wandering feet took her to Ole Miss where she graduated in 2009. She moved to D.C. in the fall of that year and started work on her master's at GWU, which she completed in 2011. A small town farm girl, she now lobbies Congress for animal agriculture. After work, you can find her trying new restaurants, playing soccer, or cheering for her Ole Miss Rebels in everything they do (Hotty Toddy!). She enjoys traveling, and has just started work on her first novel. She looks forward to good times at City KAT happy hours and brunches soon!
BIOSGet to know some of our officers
NationalsGame
CherryBlossoms
FoundersDay
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September September 15, 12:00 - 1:15 PM, Board Meeting Starbucks in west hall of Union StationAll are welcome—please email Chrystelle Rowley, [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
September 15, 1:30 - 3:30 PM, Welcome Back Potluck BrunchThe Home of Shellie Bressler in Capitol HillJoin us for a potluck brunch at Shellie's house. Bring a dish to share. Not a cook? We also need drinks, cups, plates, utensils, and napkins. RSVP with your dish and for the address at [email protected]. Nearest Metro: Union Station (Red Line) or Capitol South (Blue/Orange Line). Street parking available.
September 18, 6:00 PM, Charity Pedicure PartyBananas Hair Design - 4511 Knox Rd., Suite #103 - College Park, MD 20740Come hang out with the Gamma Mu ladies in raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness by getting our toes (or fingernails) painted in teal, the signature color of Ovarian Cancer. Carey Fitzmaurice, our Theta alumnae member founder of Teal Toes—who is partially funded by the Theta Foundation, has coordinated with Banana Hair Design, located by the Theta house, so that they will donate $5/teal pedicure to the cancer center where the owner’s goddaughter was treated for ovarian cancer. The special is running all day. We as a group will be going at 6 PM when complementary light refreshments will be served. Call to make an appointment and mention the Theta Teal Toes special: (301) 277-4500. RSVP to Chrystelle Rowley at [email protected].
OctoberOctober 19, International Day of ServiceJoint Gamma Mu/Alumnae Service Event Activity/Time TBD
NovemberNovember 3, National Race to End Women's Cancer8K Run or 1 mile Walk/Run starting at 9am Register at http://www.endwomenscancer.org Support the Foundation for Women's Cancer 2013 National Race to End Women's Cancer. The race begins and ends at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street in Washington, DC.
Private Shopping Event at Sherman PickeyThursday, November 7, 6:00 – 8:30 PMSherman Pickey, 1647 Wisconsin Ave, NWJoin us for a private shopping event at Sherman Pickey in Georgetown's Book Hill District. Enjoy treats and beverages as well as 15% off your purchase.Sherman Pickey is Washington’s home of classic clothing with a modern edge and carries everything the well dressed Washingtonian will need to take them from the shore to the country and all stops in between. http://www.shermanpickey.com/Friends and family are welcome.
DecemberHoliday PartySun, December 15, 2013, 4:00 – 6:00 PM to be followed by stroll along the ellipseThe Hamilton, 600 14th St., NWJoin us for holiday cheer at the Hamilton. The chapter will provide appetizers; drinks are on your own. Free for 2013 dues paying members, $5 for non-members. Nearest metro: Metro Center (Orange/Blue Lines).We will then enjoy the lights of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse. http://www.thenationaltree.org/Payment for non-members: https://www.kappaalphatheta.org/alumnae/events/scheduled/signup.cfm?eventid=251_622099
2012 Day of Service event: Cookie decorating
for CASA
EVEN
TS20
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Kappa Alpha ThetaWashington, DC/Suburban MD Alumnae Chapter
www.dcthetas.org2014 Membership Form
Mail to: Carter Seaton, 775 Monarch Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639Include your check. You can also join online through our website at http://www.dcthetas.org/
Further Questions? E-mail us at [email protected].
First Name:___________________________ Last Name:____________________________________
Maiden Name:_________________________ Spouse (if applicable) :___________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:______________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address:______________________________________________________________________ *Would you like to be added to the Google Group (http://groups.google.com/group/dcthetas)? YES NO
Primary Phone:_____________________________ Secondary Phone:__________________________
College Chapter:______________________________ Initiation Year:__________________________
Employer/Industry ___________________________________________________________________
Dues (includes $30 per capita fee, payable to Headquarters): please check applicable membership level
$40 - New Alum Member (2013 graduates) $40 - Graduate School MemberPlease indicate your graduate school and anticipated graduation year:_____________________________ $25 - KAO Life Loyal Member (not incl. HQ dues) $55 - Active Member $40- 50-year Theta
Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation Support: $________
Other Philanthropic Support $ _________
Total Enclosed $___________
Please make checks payable to: Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta
Other ideas for events you would like to see added?_______________________________________
Interested in helping out? How?_______________________________________________________
Personal Interests: __________________________________________________________________